A washer/dryer with improved washing performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washer/dryer technologies face reduced washing performance in low mechanical movement cycles, which can damage laundry and hinder detergent contact with stains, leading to inefficient stain removal.
Innovation Solution
A washer/dryer design featuring a baffle with a protrusion-shaped structure along its side walls, changing water direction and movement to enhance hydrodynamic contact with laundry, combined with a circulation pump for efficient detergent water delivery, and optionally spiral or quadratic guiding members for varied water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional baffles are used to mechanically move laundry, then washing efficiency is improved, but laundry damage increases in low mechanical movement cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses hydraulic principles by directing water flow through specially designed channels and nozzles on the baffle structure to create controlled hydrodynamic forces that move and tumble laundry gently, replacing harsh mechanical impact with fluid-based movement that cleans effectively without damaging fabrics
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle structure incorporates variable parameters including adjustable water flow rates, multiple nozzle configurations, and programmable pump control that adapt the intensity and pattern of water delivery based on fabric type and soil level, optimizing cleaning effectiveness while minimizing mechanical stress on laundry items
2Productivity
If baffles are designed to turn laundry over for detergent contact, then stain removal improves, but mechanical movement increases causing laundry damage
Solution Approach 1:
Water is delivered through integrated nozzles and channels on the baffle surfaces, creating targeted hydrodynamic jets that penetrate and flush stains from fabric surfaces during the washing cycle, achieving effective stain removal through controlled water pressure and flow patterns rather than aggressive mechanical tumbling
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle structure acts as an intermediary between the water supply system and the laundry, using its internal water channels and external nozzle arrangements to mediate the interaction between detergent solution and fabric, directing water flow to maximize stain contact time and cleaning effectiveness while distributing forces evenly to prevent damage
3Productivity
If water is delivered directly onto laundry, then washing action is provided, but uneven distribution reduces effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle structure incorporates multiple segmented water delivery nozzles distributed across its surface, each delivering water to specific zones of the laundry load, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage throughout the drum while maintaining controlled flow rates for effective washing action in each region
Solution Approach 2:
Water delivery is achieved through a three-dimensional baffle structure with internal channels and external nozzles positioned at various heights and angles, creating multi-directional water flow patterns that enhance distribution uniformity and washing effectiveness across the entire laundry load rather than concentrating force in a single plane
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
Improves washing efficiency without damaging laundry, ensuring better detergent contact and foaming, and enhanced stain removal through controlled water distribution and movement.
Implementation Method 1
changes the direction and movement of water, thus ensuring that different hydrodynamic movements of water are used and advantages such as more efficient contact of water with the laundry
Implementation Method 2
By means of the protrusion-shaped structure extending along the side walls perpendicularly to the base of the baffle, the additional baffle changes the direction and movement of water
Implementation Method 3
Horizontal axis washer/dryers with laundry washing and/or drying features comprise a plurality of, preferable three, baffles which are mounted onto the inner wall of the drum and which mechanically enable the laundry in the drum to be move
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a washer/dryer (1) comprising a body (2); a drum (3) which is disposed into the body (2) and wherein the washing and/or drying process is realized; at least one baffle (4) which is fixed onto the inner wall of the drum (3) and which has a base(6), at least two side walls (8) and a ceiling (7) connecting the two side walls (8), and at least one additional baffle (5) which extends from the base (6) towards the axis of rotation of the drum (3) along the side walls (8) and which gains a different form on the baffle (4) by creating a protrusion on the side walls (8) of the baffle (4).