Impeller Washing Machine Water Fill During Agitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of high efficiency washing machines with impellers are concerned about lower liquid levels during operation, leading to concerns about insufficient water, and existing solutions like recirculation pumps are expensive and prone to clogging.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a washing machine that includes a tub, a rotatable basket, a main valve, a nozzle for flowing water, and a controller to manage water flow, where a first volume of water is initially filled, and a second volume is added during agitation, creating the visual illusion of increased water flow without actual substantial water addition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If recirculation pumps are used to create visual image of additional liquid flow, then user concern about water levels is alleviated, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses lighting to create a visual copy or illusion of increased water volume. By illuminating the water in specific ways, the system creates the appearance that more water is present without actually adding volume or using mechanical recirculation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical recirculation pump system with an optical/lighting-based solution. Instead of physically moving water through pumps and pipes to create visual effects, the system uses lighting to achieve the same psychological effect of adequate water levels.
2Ease of operation
If recirculation pumps are installed to address water level concerns, then visual illusion of increased liquid is achieved, but reliability decreases due to clogging and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical moving parts (pumps) by using an optical system. Lighting components have no moving parts that can clog or fail, providing a reliable solution that maintains water level visualization without the reliability issues of mechanical pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system automatically provides the visual indication of adequate water levels without requiring mechanical intervention. The system self-regulates through optical means rather than requiring pump operation, maintenance, or intervention.
3Quantity of substance
If high efficiency washing machines use less water, then energy and resource efficiency is improved, but user concern about insufficient water increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses lighting to change the visual appearance of the water in the drum. By illuminating the water with specific colors or intensities, the system makes the water appear more voluminous or sufficient, addressing user concerns while maintaining low actual water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system creates a visual copy or illusion of increased water volume. The optical effects make the limited water appear sufficient by manipulating how users perceive the water's presence and quantity through visual cues.
Data Source
AI summary
Washing machine appliances and methods for operating washing machine appliances are provided. A washing machine appliance has a tub and a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the basket defining a chamber for receipt of articles for washing. A method includes flowing a first volume of water from an external water source into the tub, agitating the articles within the tub, and, during the agitating step, flowing a second volume of water from the external water source into the tub.