Washing Machine Nozzle Supply Pipe for Even Drum Water Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines have a limited nozzle structure that restricts the even distribution of water within the drum, leading to uneven wetting of laundry and a complex manufacturing process due to multiple connections, which can result in leakage and hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design featuring a gasket with multiple nozzles at different heights, a single common nozzle water supply pipe, and an annular flow path for water circulation, allowing for varied water pressure and even distribution of water deep inside the drum, while preventing interference with the door and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple circulation pipes and nozzle water supply pipes are used to supply water to multiple nozzles, then the water can be distributed to more nozzles, but the structure becomes complicated and the manufacturing process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple circulation pipes and nozzle water supply pipes into a single integrated circulation pipe that supplies water to multiple nozzles. The circulation pipe includes a main body portion and multiple branch portions that extend in different directions, allowing one pipe to perform the function of multiple pipes while simplifying the overall structure and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation pipe is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as the water supply conduit for multiple nozzles. The single circulation pipe with multiple branch portions can supply water to nozzles positioned at different locations and orientations, making it a universal solution that replaces multiple separate piping systems.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple connection portions are provided between circulation pipes, nozzle water supply pipes, and nozzles, then water can be supplied to multiple nozzles, but water leakage becomes more likely during operation
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple connection portions into a reduced number of connections through the integrated circulation pipe design, the patent minimizes the number of potential leakage points. The single circulation pipe with branch portions creates fewer junctions compared to multiple separate pipes, thereby improving reliability and reducing the risk of water leakage during washing machine operation.
3Ease of operation
If the nozzle water supply pipe is exposed to the circulating water current sprayed from the nozzle, then the nozzle can spray water effectively, but hygiene problems occur due to detergent coagulation and contaminant deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the nozzle water supply pipe from the spray zone by positioning it outside the drum where the circulating water current is sprayed. The circulation pipe is configured to supply water to nozzles without being exposed to the high-velocity water current, thereby preventing detergent coagulation and contaminant deposition while maintaining effective spray function through proper nozzle placement and piping geometry.
4Device complexity
If a single common nozzle water supply pipe is used to supply water to multiple nozzles at different heights, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but water pressure distribution to all nozzles becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pipe is segmented into a main body portion and multiple branch portions that extend in different directions to reach nozzles at various heights and positions. This segmentation allows the single circulation pipe to effectively distribute water pressure to multiple nozzles by providing direct, short supply paths from the main body to each nozzle location, overcoming the pressure distribution challenge.
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 design ensures even wetting of laundry, reduces power consumption, improves washing performance, and simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating complex connections, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and hygiene of the washing machine.
Implementation Method 1
a pump that sends water discharged from the tub
Implementation Method 2
water sent by the pump is introduced through an opening, and the water introduced through the opening is branched into a first sub-flow and a second sub-flow
Implementation Method 3
a gasket that communicates the input port and the opening of the tub, and has a plurality of nozzles for spraying water into the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine includes a casing, a tub, a drum, a pump for sending water discharged from the tub, a gasket connecting an input port of the casing to an opening of the tub and having nozzles for spraying water into the drum, and a nozzle water supply pipe fixed to the gasket configured to guide water introduced through the opening into a first sub-flow and a second sub-flow. The nozzle water pipe includes first nozzle water supply ports, formed on a first flow path to which the first sub-flow is guided, for supplying the first sub-flow to any two or more nozzles among the plurality of nozzles, and second nozzle water supply ports, formed on a second flow path to which the second sub-flow is guided, for supplying the second sub-flow to other two or more nozzles among the plurality of nozzles.