Washing apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machines have inefficient detergent dissolving efficiency and poor water saving effects due to insufficient micro-bubble generation, which affects detergent dissolution and water usage.

Innovation Solution

A washing apparatus equipped with a micro-bubble spray head that includes a one-piece spray pipe with a diameter-decreased conical passage and a micro-bubble bubbler, generating micro-bubble water by creating negative pressure to suck in air, resulting in a high concentration of micro-bubbles for efficient detergent dissolution and reduced water usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a conventional micro-bubble generator relying on dissolved air in tap water is used, then the device structure is simple, but the micro-bubble generation quantity is insufficient and dissolving efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicro-bubble generation quantityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pneumatic principles by introducing an air suction mechanism that uses water flow pressure differential (Venturi effect) to actively draw air into the water stream. The air suction hole and air guide structure create a pneumatic system that mixes atmospheric air with water under pressure, dramatically increasing micro-bubble generation quantity beyond what dissolved air alone can provide

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of water flow by implementing a multi-stage conical passage structure that progressively reduces diameter. This creates increasing water flow velocity and pressure differential through each stage, optimizing the conditions for air suction and micro-bubble formation. The parameter changes in water flow characteristics directly enable higher micro-bubble generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If more water is used to ensure sufficient detergent dissolution, then detergent dissolving efficiency is maintained, but water consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetergent dissolution efficiencyVSAvoidwater consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the phase transition principle by introducing air (gas phase) into liquid water to create micro-bubbles. These micro-bubbles dramatically increase the effective surface area and mixing capability, allowing detergent (solid/liquid) to dissolve much more efficiently in reduced water volumes. The gas-liquid phase interaction enables superior dissolution performance with less water

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The micro-bubble generation structure creates a porous-like distribution of gas pockets throughout the water stream. This dispersed gas-liquid mixture acts similarly to porous media, providing extensive interfacial area for detergent dissolution. The micro-bubble structure enables efficient mass transfer and dissolution without requiring large volumes of water

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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 apparatus efficiently dissolves detergents, reduces detergent residue, and conserves water by generating a large number of micro-bubbles, enhancing cleaning performance and user satisfaction.

Implementation Method 1

An at-least-one-stage diameter-decreased conical passage is formed in the diameter-decreased conical passage part in a water flow direction and is configured to pressurize the water flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure increase through conical passage: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the spray hole is configured such that the water flow pressurized by the at-least-one-stage diameter-decreased conical passage generates a negative pressure in the one-piece spray pipe after being expanded and sprayed from the spray hole so that air can be sucked in

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure generation through expansion: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 3

A micro-bubble bubbler fixed at an outlet end of the one-piece spray pipe... when the bubble water passes through the micro-bubble bubbler, micro-bubble water is formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBubble formation through pressure differential: Bubble

Data Source

PatentEP4083299B1Washing apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MASCH CO LTD
  • EP4083299B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4083299B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4083299B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A water inlet method of a washing device and the washing device using the water inlet method. The washing device is provided with a microbubble spray head (52) for generating microbubble water. The water inlet method of the washing device comprises: after the washing device is started, determining a total set value of water inlet amount of the washing device on the basis of an article to be washed; opening a first water inlet valve of the washing device to inject microbubble water; when the inlet amount of the microbubble water reaches a first set value, opening a second water inlet valve of the washing device to inject non-microbubble water; and when the water inlet amount of the washing device reaches the total set value, the water inlet process of the washing device being completed. The microbubble water is first injected into the washing device, and therefore, efficient dissolution of a detergent in the microbubble water can be implemented. Moreover, because a large number of microbubbles exist in the water, water consumption can be reduced, and the level of the washing liquid in the washing device remains unchanged at the same time.