Washer Spray Deflector Geometry for Low-Pressure Fabric Wetting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems in clothes washers, especially those with a vertical rotational axis, face challenges in evenly wetting the fabric load due to high requirements for incoming water pressure, leading to reduced spray velocity and angle, which impacts cleaning performance, especially at lower pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
The use of a deflector system positioned within the tub ring that deflects wash liquid into the drum or tub along different flow paths and patterns based on the velocity of the wash liquid, utilizing a shape with distinct angled sections and a rounded or tear-drop tip to maintain effective wetting across the fabric load regardless of household water pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple dispensing locations are used to more widely wet the fabric load, then the coverage area is improved, but the device complexity and water pressure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single dispensing system is segmented into multiple spray outlets arranged in an annular pattern around the drum periphery. Each outlet functions as an independent spray source, collectively providing comprehensive coverage of the fabric load while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system transitions from a single-point (0D/1D) dispensing location to a distributed annular arrangement (2D/3D), spreading spray outlets around the drum periphery. This dimensional expansion enables wide coverage without requiring complex multi-location piping systems.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple dispensing locations are used to more widely wet the fabric load, then the coverage area is improved, but the water pressure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system is segmented into multiple independent spray outlets along the annular channel. Each outlet receives water at the same moderate pressure from the common supply, eliminating the need to overcome long delivery paths to distant dispensing locations while achieving wide coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray outlets are arranged in an annular dimension around the drum, allowing all outlets to be supplied from a central water source at moderate pressure. This geometric arrangement eliminates the pressure penalties associated with long horizontal or vertical supply runs to multiple locations.
3Device complexity
If a single-point dispensing system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the wetting coverage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single dispensing point is segmented into multiple spray outlets distributed along an annular channel. This segmentation increases coverage area while maintaining simple construction, as all outlets are formed in a single integrated component rather than requiring multiple separate dispensing assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system expands from a single point to an annular arrangement, utilizing the circumferential dimension around the drum. This dimensional transition provides extensive wetting coverage while keeping the structure simple, as the annular channel and deflectors form a unified component.
4Speed
If high water pressure is used to maintain spray velocity and angle, then the spray performance is improved, but the adaptability to different household pressure conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector geometry is specifically designed with angled surfaces that efficiently redirect spray at moderate pressure conditions. The deflector angle and shape parameters are optimized to maintain effective spray velocity and angle across a range of household water pressures, eliminating the need for high-pressure operation.
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 solution ensures consistent and improved wetting of the fabric load by adjusting the flow patterns according to water pressure, maintaining effective cleaning performance even at lower household water pressures, with the deflector system directing wash liquid in fan-like or fountain-like patterns to cover the entire area.
Implementation Method 1
an apparatus for deflecting a spray of wash liquid to a desired location in either a drum or tub of a cleaning appliance along different flow paths and/or flow patterns according to the velocity of the wash liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for deflecting a spray of wash liquid to a desired location in either a drum or tub of a cleaning appliance along different flow paths and/or flow patterns according to the velocity of the wash liquid.