Washing Machine Recirculation Flow Control for Foam and Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current washing machines face issues with excessive foam and noise due to uncontrolled water flow during recirculation, leading to inefficient washing and water usage, as existing systems fail to maintain a consistent liquid level and uniform flow.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a controlled recirculation system using a two-way pump and level sensor to maintain a minimum liquid level in a pool within the tub, adjusting pump speed to prevent air-water mixture and reduce noise, while using a basket with reduced hole size for uniform liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water recirculation is implemented to homogenize cleaning agents and increase washing efficiency, then washing efficiency is improved, but excessive foam and high noise level are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a controllable pump that can dynamically adjust its operating speed based on the washing cycle requirements. The pump operates at variable speeds to optimize water recirculation flow, preventing excessive foam generation while maintaining washing efficiency. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt flow rates to different operational phases, reducing noise and foam during certain cycles while maintaining high efficiency during active washing phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow rate parameter of water recirculation by controlling pump speed. By adjusting the recirculation flow rate parameter, the system achieves optimal washing efficiency while preventing the air-water mixture that causes excessive foam and noise. The parameter control ensures uniform liquid flow through the basket, resolving the contradiction between washing efficiency and harmful foam/noise generation.
2Device complexity
If uncontrolled water flow is used during recirculation, then device complexity is reduced, but uniform liquid flow and consistent liquid level cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system using a level sensor that continuously monitors the liquid level in the tub. The sensor provides feedback signals to the control circuit, which adjusts the pump operation to maintain consistent liquid levels. This feedback mechanism ensures stable liquid composition and uniform flow during recirculation without requiring complex mechanical control systems, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and liquid level stability.
3Quantity of substance
If the tub is emptied during recirculation, then water volume is reduced, but air-water mixture causes excessive foam and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by maintaining a minimum liquid level in the tub during recirculation operations. Instead of completely emptying the tub, the system maintains just enough liquid to prevent air-water mixture while still achieving water volume reduction for efficiency. This partial maintenance of liquid level prevents the harmful foam and noise generation that occurs with complete emptying, while still reducing overall water consumption through optimized recirculation.
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 solution effectively reduces foam formation and noise, allowing for efficient washing with less water and detergent usage, improving overall machine operation and washing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a controllable pump and of a level reader allows the development of a method which is able to close a control loop on which it is possible to adjust a flow
Implementation Method 2
electronic pressostate forwards point-to-point information on the water column height by means of a transducer which varies the output voltage or current according to the pressure applied in the input
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine provided with recirculation with controlled flow. It further presents a method to control the level of the washing liquid, associated to the said machine, providing economy of resources such as water and cleaning products, guaranteeing an effective washing of clothes and similar articles, still associated with a decreases foam formation and lower nose emissions during the process, thus improving the operation of the equipment. The washing machine is provided with a washing tub (2), a basket (3), a two-way pump (7), level sensor (5), pool (6), recirculation hose (9), drainage hose (8) and control circuit.