Washing Machine Flow-Switching Valve for Quiet Water Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines with valve arrangements experience hydrodynamically unfavorable pulsed operation, leading to noise and pressure surges, which complicates the targeted supply of water with different volume flows to branch lines.
Innovation Solution
A volume flow switching valve with at least two open positions is integrated into the supply line, allowing for adjustable water flow without the need for pulsed operation, enabling water to be supplied with different volume flows to branch lines while maintaining a minimal number of valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If valves are operated in a pulsed manner to supply water to branch lines, then water can be conveyed through outlets, but pressure surges and noise occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a pulsed valve operation mode where the valve opens and closes in cycles to control water flow to different branch lines. This periodic opening and closing allows selective water distribution while managing pressure dynamics through controlled intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by adjusting valve opening duration, frequency, and timing to optimize water flow distribution. By varying these parameters, the system achieves different flow rates and pressure levels to different branch lines while minimizing harmful pressure surges and noise through careful parameter selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are used to supply water to different branch lines, then targeted water supply is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single valve system that performs multiple functions - controlling water flow to multiple different branch lines through pulsed operation and timing control. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated valves for each branch line, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining targeted water supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple potential valves into a single valve system. By combining control of multiple branch lines through one valve using temporal separation (pulsed operation), the system achieves the same water distribution capability with fewer components, thereby reducing device complexity.
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 solution allows for flexible water supply to compensate for imbalances and selectively provide water to washing reagent chambers, reducing noise and operational complexity, while maintaining a compact valve arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
A volume flow switching valve with at least a first and a second open position is arranged in the supply line. The volume flow switching valve lets water through in both open positions, but less in the first open position than in the second.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The machine has valve arrangement (4) with an electric controllable volume flow switching valve (3) arranged with two passage positions in a supply line (1). The valve passes water into the both passage positions, such that lesser water is passed into one of the position than in another passage position. The switching valve comprises two channels, which are connected parallel to each other. A flow resistor i.e. volume flow regulator (18), is arranged in one of the channels, and another channel is locked with a shut-off valve (20). A safety valve (2) is arranged in the switching valve.