Washing Machine Nozzle Geometry for Uniform Water Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry washing machines face inefficiencies in water distribution over laundry due to varying pump speeds, leading to non-uniform distribution and turbulence issues with current nozzle designs.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design with a tubular portion and a sprayer portion featuring a bent zone and an obstruction that adjusts the cross-sectional area, allowing for optimal liquid distribution at different flow rates by changing the liquid's direction and reducing turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pump speed is increased to improve water supply efficiency, then the productivity is improved, but turbulence is generated at the sprayer opening causing non-uniform water distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle incorporates a curved transition section instead of sharp angles, which smooths the water flow path and reduces turbulence generation at higher pump speeds, maintaining uniform distribution while preserving supply efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle geometry parameters (cross-sectional area, curvature radius, transition angle) are specifically optimized to maintain laminar flow characteristics across a range of pump speeds, allowing the system to operate efficiently without generating harmful turbulence
2Power
If the nozzle cross-sectional area is reduced to increase water pressure, then the power is improved, but the manufacturing precision becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into distinct functional sections (inlet section, curved transition section, outlet section) with standardized dimensions, which simplifies manufacturing while achieving the required pressure increase through the cumulative effect of controlled cross-sectional reductions in each section
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
Ensures uniform liquid distribution over the laundry across varying flow rates, minimizing turbulence and maintaining optimal distribution regardless of pump speed, thereby enhancing washing machine performance.
Implementation Method 1
said sprayer portion comprises a bent zone which is apt to change the direction of a liquid flowing through said tubular portion towards said outlet extremity
Implementation Method 2
said nozzle comprises an obstruction arranged upstream of said bent zone so that the cross-sectional area of said nozzle first decreases and then increases while proceeding from said tubular portion towards said outlet extremity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates a laundry washing machine (1) comprising a cabinet (2) supporting a washing tub (3) external to a washing drum (4) adapted to receive laundry and a liquid supply line (30) for supplying liquid into the washing tub/drum (3, 4) through a nozzle (40) having a tubular portion (42) and a sprayer portion (44) comprising a bent zone (46). The nozzle (40) comprises an obstruction (60) arranged upstream of the bent zone (46).