Washer Gasket Nozzle Layout for Uniform Wetting Without Pipe Interference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines with multiple spray nozzles face challenges in uniformly wetting laundry due to limited spray directions, complex structure, interference with other components, leakage, and gasket abrasion, which complicates the connection process and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design featuring a gasket with multiple nozzles on its inner surface and a distribution pipe that supplies water pumped by a pump to these nozzles, avoiding interference with other structures and preventing gasket deformation and abrasion through a specific accommodating part and rib structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spray nozzles are connected to the circulation pump through connectors and gaskets, then water can be sprayed into the drum, but the structure becomes complex and assembly becomes bothersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spray nozzle assembly with the gasket by directly forming nozzles on the gasket body. The gasket integrates multiple functions: sealing between tub and drum, and water distribution to multiple nozzles. This eliminates separate connectors and spray path components, reducing structural complexity while maintaining multi-directional spray capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a sealing element between the tub and drum, and as a distribution manifold for water to multiple nozzles. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate connection components, simplifying the overall structure while achieving comprehensive spray coverage.
2Manufacturing precision
If spray nozzles are positioned to cover laundry areas, then wetting uniformity improves, but the nozzles may interfere with other structures like balancers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions nozzles on the gasket at various angular positions around the drum periphery, utilizing the circumferential dimension. This arrangement achieves comprehensive laundry coverage while maintaining radial clearance from the drum and avoiding interference with balancers and other axial structures.
3Ease of operation
If connectors pass through the gasket to connect nozzles, then nozzles can be positioned on the gasket, but wash water may leak through connection portions
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzles are directly formed on the gasket body as an integrated structure, eliminating separate connectors that pass through the gasket. This integration eliminates potential leakage paths at connector-gasket interfaces while maintaining precise nozzle positioning for effective spray coverage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors and spray paths are used to connect nozzles to the pump, then water can reach multiple nozzles, but leakage and hygiene issues occur at connection portions
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket integrates the water distribution function directly into its structure, with water channels formed within the gasket body leading to multiple nozzles. This eliminates external connectors and spray paths, creating a sealed integrated system that prevents leakage and hygiene issues at connection points while maintaining comprehensive water distribution capability.
5Adaptability or versatility
If the circulation pump is connected to multiple spray paths, then water can be distributed to multiple nozzles, but the structure and assembly become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket serves as both a sealing component and a water distribution manifold. Water from the circulation pump enters the gasket and is distributed to multiple nozzles through integrated channels within the gasket body, eliminating the need for separate spray paths and reducing structural 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 design simplifies the connection process, ensures uniform laundry wetting, reduces machine size, and prevents gasket abrasion, enhancing the washing machine's performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of nozzles for spraying water into a drum
Implementation Method 2
a distribution pipe for supplying water pumped by a circulation pump to the plurality of nozzles
Data Source
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Disclosed is a washing machine including: a gasket (60), wherein the gasket (60) includes a gasket body (61), forming a passage (60P) between a laundry entry hole (12) formed in a casing (10) and an opening (32) formed in a tub (30), and a plurality of nozzles (66, 67) spraying water into a drum (40); and a distribution pipe (800, 801, 802, 80) supplying water pumped by a pump (70) to the plurality of nozzles (66, 67), wherein the distribution pipe (800, 801, 802, 80) includes a transport conduit (810, 81, 820, 82) disposed on an outer circumferential surface (61C, 61) of the gasket (60), wherein the gasket body (61) is divided into a front body (60A) positioned on the side of the casing (10) and a rear body (60B) positioned on the side of the tub (30), wherein the rear body (60B) includes an accommodating part in which at least a portion of the transport conduit (810, 81, 820, 82) is disposed, and accordingly, it is possible to prevent intervention between the distribution pipe (800, 801, 802, 80) and any other structure around the gasket (60).