Washing Liquid Recirculation Control for Better Detergent Wetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machine methods require complex systems with multiple channels and valves, leading to increased time and water usage, as detergent dissolves separately before coming into contact with laundry, resulting in suboptimal washing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that heats the washing liquid and activates the circulation device during the washing phase, using a simple pipe and pump system to convey liquid from the lower tub area to the upper area, with the heating element switched on and off in phases to ensure optimal detergent dissolution and prevent overheating, while the circulation device operates based on liquid levels to maintain efficient water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a circulation device is activated to convey washing liquid from the lower area to the upper area of the tub, then the washing effect is improved through better wetting of laundry, but the device complexity increases due to the need for pumps and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating element and circulation device operations into a coordinated sequence where the heating element preheats washing liquid in the lower tub area, and the circulation device simultaneously or subsequently conveys the heated liquid upward. This merging of thermal and fluid dynamic functions achieves improved washing effectiveness without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element performs preliminary heating of the washing liquid before the circulation device activates to convey it upward. This preliminary thermal preparation ensures that when the washing liquid reaches the laundry, it is already at an optimal temperature for detergent activation and wetting, enhancing the washing effect while using a relatively simple circulation system.
2Temperature
If the heating element is continuously switched on to heat the washing liquid, then the washing temperature is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is operated periodically rather than continuously, being switched on during specific phases (such as during the circulation phase or when the circulation device is inactive) and switched off during other phases. This periodic operation maintains adequate washing liquid temperature while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by coordinating the heating element and circulation device so that heating occurs during phases when circulation is active or when thermal energy can be effectively utilized. The circulation device continuously moves washing liquid, and the heating element periodically adds thermal energy, ensuring continuous washing effectiveness without continuous energy input.
3Productivity
If the circulation device operates at high flow rate to improve wetting, then the washing efficiency increases, but water usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation device operates at elevated flow rates during specific phases (such as during the circulation phase or when the heating element is active) rather than maintaining high flow continuously. This partial high-flow operation provides sufficient wetting and mixing action to achieve good washing efficiency while limiting total water consumption by reducing circulation during phases where high flow is not necessary.
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 enhances washing efficiency with reduced water and time, ensuring thorough wetting and mixing of laundry without elaborate structural measures, while preventing overheating and air suction, thus improving detergent distribution and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
water with the addition of detergent is let into a space in the lower area of the tub, the water or the washing liquid mixed with detergent not yet coming into contact with the laundry. The lye is then heated up inside the room
Implementation Method 2
The pump 17a is connected to the outlet pipe 12b on the input side or suction side and can convey the washing liquid 19 located therein through the line 17b into the upper area of the tub 2 or the drum 3
Implementation Method 3
In order to bring the washing suds as completely as possible into contact with the laundry, it is known to convey the washing liquid from the lower area of the suds container or from the drain channel to the upper area by means of a circulating device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a washing machine (1) with a tub (2) for receiving washing liquid (19) for treating laundry (8), a heating element (7), and a circulation device (17). The method comprises a washing phase (Wa) with the heating element (7) switched on to heat the washing liquid (19) and the circulation device (17) activated, which pumps the washing liquid (19) from the lower part of the tub (2) to the upper part, relative to the washing machine's (1) operating position. To improve the washing effect, the circulation device (17) is activated during at least one time interval (Active) within the washing phase (Wa), and the heating element (7) is switched off (Off) during this time interval(s). The invention further relates to a washing machine with a control unit (18) configured to carry out the method.