Washer Pump Layout for Higher Water Circulation and Compact Packaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum washing machines face challenges in efficiently circulating and draining washing water due to the positioning of the circulation and drain pumps, which affects the washing performance and space utilization within the machine.
Innovation Solution
The laundry treating apparatus optimizes the positioning of the circulation pump above the pump body and the drain pump on the outer surface of the pump body, enhancing the flow rate of washing water circulation and allowing space for the automatic injection device on one side of the pump unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the circulation pump is disposed in a higher position to circulate a larger amount of washing water, then the washing performance is improved, but the device complexity and space utilization are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump is positioned in the vertical direction above the pump body, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve higher circulation flow rate without increasing horizontal space occupation. This dimensional change allows the pump to draw water from higher positions in the tub while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation pump and drain pump are integrated within a shared pump housing structure, with the circulation pump positioned above the drain pump. This nesting arrangement allows both pumps to occupy overlapping vertical spaces while maintaining separate functional chambers, reducing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If the circulation pump is positioned higher to increase water circulation, then the washing efficiency is improved, but the space for other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic injection device is positioned horizontally adjacent to the pump unit rather than vertically above or below it. This horizontal positioning in a different spatial dimension allows the circulation pump to occupy the vertical space above the pump body while the injection device utilizes the horizontal space beside the pump unit, eliminating spatial conflict.
3Area of stationary object
If both circulation pump and drain pump are integrated in a compact unit, then the space utilization is improved, but the ease of operation and maintenance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pump unit is segmented into distinct functional modules: the drain pump chamber, the circulation pump chamber, and the automatic injection device chamber. Each module has separate access points and service ports, allowing maintenance personnel to service one pump without disassembling the entire integrated unit, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving compact integration.
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 configuration increases the flow rate of washing water circulation during the washing operation and secures space for the automatic injection device, improving washing efficiency and machine design.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation pump (34) supplied by the pump body (32) with washing water introduced from the interior of the tub (10) to circulate the washing water to the nozzle (60)
Implementation Method 2
a drain pump (36) coupled to the pump body (32) to drain washing water introduced from the interior of the tub (10) to the pump body (32) outwardly
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a laundry treating apparatus in which a position of a circulation pump is optimized. The laundry treating apparatus includes a tub holding washing water, a drum rotatably disposed within the tub and holding laundry, a nozzle jetting the washing water to an interior of the drum, and a pump unit having a pump body, a drain pump coupled to the pump body and outwardly draining washing water introduced from the interior of the tub to the pump body, and a circulation pump coupled to the pump body and supplying washing water introduced from the interior of the tub to the pump body to the nozzle, wherein the circulation pump is disposed above the pump body.