Washer Drum Spray Layout for Uniform Soaking and Rinsing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Top-loading washing machines face issues with uneven laundry soaking and inefficient detergent removal due to the placement of water supply and detergent systems, leading to degraded washing and rinsing performance.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treatment apparatus with a rotator and a spray device that generates a water current and sprays water in multiple directions to enhance washing and rinsing performance, while avoiding the rotator to minimize water scattering and ensure effective detergent removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If water is supplied to one side of the drum bottom through a single route, then the water supply system is simple, but laundry soaking becomes uneven and washing performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system is segmented into multiple spray nozzles positioned at different locations (front, rear, left, right sides) of the drum. Each nozzle supplies water to a specific zone, ensuring uniform distribution across the laundry load while maintaining system simplicity through modular nozzle design.
Solution Approach 2:
The water supply approach transitions from a single-point vertical supply to a multi-dimensional spray distribution system. Nozzles are arranged in multiple directions and positions around the drum interior, creating three-dimensional water coverage that penetrates the laundry load from various angles, achieving uniform soaking.
2Device complexity
If rinsing is performed using only water current from drum rotation, then the system is simple, but detergent removal efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rinsing system merges two mechanisms: drum rotation-generated water current and spray device water jets. The spray device adds directed water flow that works synergistically with the natural convection from drum rotation, enhancing detergent removal efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray device operates in periodic cycles during the rinsing course, alternating with drum rotation phases. This periodic action creates alternating patterns of water current generation, improving detergent loosening and removal efficiency while maintaining energy efficiency and system simplicity.
3Area of stationary object
If a spray device sprays water directly into the drum, then water coverage is improved, but water scatters due to the rotator reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzles are positioned asymmetrically relative to the rotator components (pillar and blade). The nozzle locations and spray angles are specifically designed to direct water streams into zones not occupied by the rotating pillar and blade, minimizing water scattering while maximizing coverage of the laundry load.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray device is positioned and angled to spray water in advance of the rotator's path. Water is delivered to the laundry load before the rotating pillar and blade can intercept and scatter the streams, ensuring effective water application throughout the washing cycle.
4Device complexity
If detergent and water are supplied to one location in the drum, then the supply system is simplified, but washing performance is degraded due to uneven soaking
Solution Approach 1:
The supply system is segmented into multiple independent spray nozzle units distributed around the drum. Each nozzle can be controlled to supply water to different zones, enabling uniform detergent and water distribution across the entire laundry load while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
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
The apparatus improves washing and rinsing efficiency by ensuring even laundry soaking and effective detergent removal, extending the lifespan of components like the rotator and blade, and enhancing overall washing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a spray device connected to the water supply part to spray water supplied from the water supply part into the drum through the drum opening by avoiding the pillar and the blade
Implementation Method 2
a rotator rotatably located on the drum floor surface within the drum, the rotator including a bottom portion located on the drum floor surface, a pillar protruding from the bottom portion toward the drum opening, and a blade provided to an outer circumferential surface of the pillar
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a tub, a water supply part, a drum rotatably located in the tub and including a drum floor surface located on an opposite side of a drum opening, a rotator rotatably located on the drum floor surface within the drum, the rotator including a bottom portion located on the drum floor surface, a pillar protruding from the bottom portion toward the drum opening, and a blade provided to an outer circumferential surface of the pillar, and a spray device connected to the water supply part to spray water supplied from the water supply part into the drum through the drum opening by avoiding the pillar and the blade.