Washing Machine Water Softening Layout for Detergent Solubility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines using water softening devices like ion exchange resin and capacitive deionization face issues with compact size, high costs, and inefficiencies in softening hard water, leading to reduced detergent solubility and washing performance.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design with a water softening device that integrates an electromagnet, metal pipes, and vortex forming parts to magnetize and heat water mixed with detergent, creating a spiral flow that enhances water softening and detergent solubility, eliminating the need for periodic salt supply and regenerating operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ion exchange resin is used for water softening, then water softening is achieved, but the device volume becomes large and requires periodic NaCl implantation and resin replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical ion exchange resin system with a physical magnetic field-based water softening system. The electromagnet generates a magnetic field that acts on water molecules and dissolved minerals without requiring chemical agents or resin media, thereby eliminating the need for large resin containers and periodic chemical regeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnet as an intermediary device that mediates the softening process by generating a magnetic field. This magnetic field serves as the active medium that interacts with water and minerals, replacing the need for ion exchange resin as the intermediary substance.
2Device complexity
If magnetic field forming unit is placed outside the pipe, then the structure is simple, but the magnetic flux cannot be concentrated on water resulting in low softening efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the electromagnet within the pipe structure, nesting the magnetic field generating device inside the water flow path. This allows the magnetic flux to be concentrated directly on the water flowing through the pipe, maximizing softening efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from an external magnetic field application (outside the pipe) to an internal magnetic field application (inside the pipe). This dimensional change in magnetic field positioning allows for direct interaction with water molecules, significantly improving softening efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If water flows at regular current speed in the pipe, then the flux state is stabilized, but the water cannot be sufficiently magnetized resulting in low softening performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic flow characteristics by creating a spiral water current pattern within the pipe. This dynamic flow, induced by the magnetic field interaction, prevents stable flux states and enhances magnetization effectiveness, thereby improving softening performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes magnetic field-induced vibrations and turbulence in the water flow. The interaction between the magnetic field and moving water creates a dynamic, non-stabilized flow state that enhances the magnetization process and prevents scale formation.
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 improves detergent solubility and washing performance by effectively removing hard water components, preventing scale formation, and maintaining a compact size without the need for periodic salt replenishment or regenerating operations.
Implementation Method 1
a water softening device which integrates an electromagnet, metal pipes, and vortex forming parts to magnetize and heat water mixed with detergent
Implementation Method 2
a water softening device which integrates an electromagnet, metal pipes, and vortex forming parts to magnetize and heat water mixed with detergent
Implementation Method 3
vortex forming parts to magnetize and heat water mixed with detergent, creating a spiral flow that enhances water softening and detergent solubility
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine having a water softening device which improves the solubility of a detergent and a water softening performance concurrently. The washing machine includes a tub; a water supply device for supplying water to the tub; a detergent supply device for supplying a detergent to the tub; and a water softening device for softening the water. The water softening device is disposed such that the water supplied from the water supply device can be mixed with the detergent supplied from the detergent supply device and then the water mixed with the detergent can be supplied to the water softening device.