Washing Machine Steam Water-Level Control Using a Variable Drain Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face challenges in regulating the water level for optimal steam generation, as the heating element must be submerged but not exposed for extended periods to prevent overheating, and dynamic water intake systems lead to measurement inaccuracies and inefficient steam production.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a speed-adjustable drain pump to control water levels in the tub, allowing only the heating element to be wetted during steam generation, with the pump shifting water into the sewage system to maintain defined levels, and initiating regulation after the initial refueling process to avoid inaccuracies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the heating element is submerged deeply in water to generate sufficient steam, then steam quantity is improved, but the heating element overheats due to extended exposure to water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic water level adjustment where the water level is raised above the heating element during steam generation phases, then lowered during non-generation phases. This periodic action allows the heating element to be submerged only when steam is needed, preventing continuous overheating while ensuring sufficient steam quantity when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a speed-adjustable drain pump to dynamically control the water level in the tub. The pump speed can be varied to rapidly adjust water levels, allowing the system to respond to changing steam generation requirements and prevent both overheating and insufficient steam production.
2Productivity
If the water level is regulated precisely for optimal steam generation, then steam generation efficiency is improved, but measurement inaccuracies occur due to dynamic water intake and inertia of the water intake system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent initiates water level regulation only after the initial refueling process is complete and water movements have settled. This preliminary waiting period allows the dynamic water intake system to stabilize, eliminating measurement inaccuracies caused by moving water and inertia before precise water level control begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The speed-adjustable drain pump enables dynamic water level control that can adapt to changing conditions. By adjusting pump speed, the system can compensate for ongoing water intake variations and maintain precise water levels despite the dynamic nature of the water supply system.
3Productivity
If a speed-adjustable drain pump is used to control water levels for steam generation, then steam generation is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing drain pump in the washing machine and赋予 it the additional function of water level control for steam generation. By making the existing pump speed-adjustable, the system achieves optimized steam generation without adding a completely new water level control device, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the steam generation water level control function with the existing drainage system and pump. The same pump that removes wastewater is also used to control water levels during steam generation by adjusting its speed, merging multiple functions into existing components rather than adding separate systems.
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 approach enables efficient and process-optimized steam generation by the heater element, ensuring sufficient and intense steam production while preventing overheating, thereby improving laundry treatment results.
Implementation Method 1
the heating element present for heating up the wash water in a washing machine to generate steam
Implementation Method 2
the radiator of the machine is almost flooded and the water around the radiator is heated so much that steam can form
Implementation Method 3
speed-adjustable drain pump with which, by controlling the speed in a targeted manner, it is possible to shift a portion of the water in the tub into the sewage system
Implementation Method 4
Due to the natural buoyancy, this steam can then get into the laundry drum and come into contact with the laundry
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a washing machine, in particular a drum washing machine, comprising a washing drum (4) for receiving the laundry to be washed, a supply device for the fresh water to be introduced into the tub (3), a heating element (6) arranged in the tub (3) for heating the wash water, which also serves as a heating device for generating steam for treating the laundry with steam, a drain pump (9) for pumping out the process water via the wastewater system arranged in the housing of the washing machine (1), a control device (13) by which, in conjunction with a water level sensor (5), the water levels provided in the machine according to the program are set.According to a first embodiment of the invention, a speed-controlled pump (9) is used as the drain pump, the speed of which can be controlled so that a portion of the water in the tub (3) can be conveyed into empty spaces within the wastewater system of the washing machine without being pumped outwards. A defined water level (H1) is set by means of a water level sensor (5) in conjunction with a control device (13), enabling efficient steam generation. In the second embodiment, the heating element is briefly and alternately immersed in and removed from the water by intermittently switching the drain pump (9) on and off. This results in a pulsed evaporation process of the residual water adhering to the heating element (6).