Washer Drain Hose Layout for Limited Space and Backflow Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry treating devices face challenges in securing an appropriate water drain height within limited inner spaces, especially when a predetermined structure is provided in the lower portion, which can lead to inefficient water drainage and potential dirt retention.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a water drain hose connected to the lower portion of the tub along a lateral direction, a movable housing under the tub, and a water drain pump positioned in the rear of the housing, along with an air chamber and pressure sensor to ensure optimal water drainage and prevent backflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a predetermined structure is provided in the lower portion of the laundry treating device, then the device complexity is increased, but the water drain height is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidwater drain height
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The water drain hose is configured to extend laterally from the tub bottom along the lateral direction between the tub and the movable part, rather than extending vertically downward. This dimensional change in hose routing allows the hose to connect to the water drain pump while maintaining sufficient water drain height, even with the movable housing and other structures present in the lower portion of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of stationary object

If the inner space is limited, then the volume is reduced, but the water drain height cannot be secured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinner space volumeVSAvoidwater drain height
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By routing the water drain hose laterally instead of vertically, the design utilizes the horizontal space between the tub and the movable part to achieve the necessary water drain height, thereby maintaining sufficient drainage capability within the limited inner space volume of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The water drain hose is specifically positioned in the lateral direction between the tub and the movable part, creating a localized drainage path that optimizes the use of available space in that specific region to maintain water drain height without compromising overall device compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Length of stationary object

If the water drain hose is positioned lower, then the device height is reduced, but water may flow backward and dirt may remain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice heightVSAvoiddrainage reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral positioning of the water drain hose along the lateral direction between the tub and movable part creates an optimal drainage path that prevents water backflow and ensures complete drainage, maintaining high reliability while allowing the device to have a compact height profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration provides a sufficient water drain height, optimizes space utilization, and prevents water from flowing backward, enhancing product reliability by ensuring smooth drainage and minimizing dirt retention.

Implementation Method 1

an air chamber and pressure sensor to ensure optimal water drainage and prevent backflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensor detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2252734B1Laundry treating device
Publication Date: 2016.07.27 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2252734B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2252734B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2252734B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A laundry treating device is disclosed, which includes a cabinet that defines an exterior appearance of the device, a tub installed in the cabinet, a lower water holding part recessed in a lower portion of the tub to form a predetermined space, and a water drain hose connected with a side surface of the lower water holding part. The laundry treating device is capable of providing a sufficient water drain height, with improved inner space utilization.