Variable Water Jet Control for Washing Machine Load Soaking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines with constant-RPM motors and fixed water jet span fail to effectively soak laundry of varying loads, as the water jet span remains unchanged regardless of the laundry volume, leading to inefficient washing and rinsing, especially with large loads.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with an adjustable pump that adjusts flow rate based on sensed laundry load, using a laundry load sensor to control the rotation speed of the pump and nozzle, allowing for variable jet span and direction to ensure even soaking and rinsing, regardless of the laundry volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a constant-RPM motor is used to drive the circulation pump, then the motor structure is simple and cost is reduced, but the water jet span remains constant and cannot adapt to different laundry loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the constant-RPM motor with a variable-speed motor that can adjust its rotation speed according to different laundry loads. The controller receives signals from the laundry detection device and dynamically adjusts the motor speed to vary the water jet span, enabling the system to adapt to different washing conditions while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Device complexity
If a constant flowrate pump is used, then the pump structure is simple, but the water jet span cannot be adjusted to sufficiently soak laundry of varying volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by equipping the circulation pump with variable speed control capability. The pump's rotation speed is adjusted based on laundry load detection, which varies the water flow rate and jet span accordingly. This ensures reliable washing effectiveness for both small and large laundry volumes while keeping the pump structure relatively simple through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback principle by incorporating a laundry detection device that continuously monitors laundry conditions and sends signals to the controller. The controller uses this feedback information to adjust the pump speed and water jet parameters in real-time, ensuring optimal washing performance adapts to actual laundry load conditions.
3Device complexity
If the water jet span is kept constant, then the nozzle structure is simple, but the system fails to account for differences in laundry soak requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the water flow rate and pressure parameters through motor speed adjustment. This changes the water jet span parameter dynamically, allowing the nozzle to adapt to different laundry loads without requiring complex mechanical adjustments to the nozzle structure itself.
4Reliability
If an adjustable pump is used to vary water flow, then washing effectiveness for different loads is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control where the laundry detection device monitors laundry conditions and provides signals to the controller, which then adjusts the motor speed accordingly. This automated feedback loop improves washing effectiveness while minimizing the need for complex manual control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting laundry load conditions and adjusting water jet parameters without user intervention. The controller autonomously manages the pump speed adjustment based on detection signals, reducing the complexity of user interaction while maintaining high washing effectiveness.
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 adjustable pump system ensures effective soaking and rinsing of laundry by varying the water jet span and direction based on the laundry load, improving washing efficiency and effectiveness across different load sizes.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable pump that is configured to pump water through the circulation flowpath to the first nozzle, the adjustable pump being configured to adjust flow of water to the first nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine includes an outer tub that is configured to hold water. The washing machine further includes an inner tub that is located in the outer tub and that is configured to hold laundry and spin. The washing machine further includes a circulation flowpath that is configured to circulate water discharged from the outer tub. The washing machine further includes a first nozzle that is configured to jet water supplied from the circulation flowpath to the inner tub. The washing machine further includes an adjustable pump that is configured to pump water through the circulation flowpath to the first nozzle, the adjustable pump being configured to adjust flow of water to the first nozzle.