Washing machine and micro-bubble generator thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face challenges in generating sufficient micro-bubbles for effective cleaning, as power-based micro-bubble generators are complex and costly, while mechanical generators struggle to produce enough micro-bubbles that survive transit to the washing basket.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a micro-bubble generator that includes a dissolving unit to mix gas into wash water and a nozzle unit to form micro-bubbles, ensuring these bubbles are supplied directly to the washing space without being extinguished, using a compact structure that minimizes micro-bubble loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If power-based micro-bubble generators are used, then sufficient micro-bubbles can be generated, but the structure becomes complicated and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power device from the micro-bubble generator system, eliminating compressors and pumps while retaining micro-bubble generation capability through purely mechanical flow path design. The gas separation chamber and flow paths are configured to generate micro-bubbles using only water flow dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the kinetic energy of the incoming water flow itself to generate micro-bubbles, without requiring external power sources. The water flow automatically performs the work of bubble generation through its interaction with the specially designed flow paths and gas separation chamber.
2Device complexity
If mechanical micro-bubble generators are used, then structure is simple and cost is low, but sufficient micro-bubbles cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is divided into distinct functional chambers: a gas separation chamber for gas-liquid separation and multiple flow paths for different water flow rates. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter to control micro-bubble generation. By providing multiple flow paths with different resistance characteristics, the system adapts to different water flow rates and maintains effective micro-bubble generation across varying operating conditions.
3Ease of operation
If micro-bubbles are generated and transferred through hose, then wash water can be supplied to inner basket, but micro-bubbles disappear during transit
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by generating micro-bubbles as close as possible to the point of application (inner basket). The generator is positioned to discharge micro-bubbles directly into or near the inner basket, eliminating the need for long hose transfers that would cause bubble dissolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a water supply line with integrated generator instead of separate hose systems. The direct connection through the water supply line serves as an effective intermediary that maintains micro-bubble integrity from generation to application point.
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 solution significantly increases the amount of micro-bubbles produced, enhancing washing and rinsing power by ensuring micro-bubbles reach the laundry without being lost during transit, thus improving cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a dissolving unit configured to mix or dissolve gas into the wash water from the water supply valve unit
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle unit configured to form microbubbles in the wash water in which the gas is dissolved or mixed
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine that includes a cabinet; an outer basket in the cabinet and configured to accommodate wash water; an inner basket in the outer basket and configured to accommodate laundry; a water supply valve unit in the cabinet and connected to an external water supply source, configured to receive wash water; and a micro-bubble generator configured to receive the wash water from the water supply valve unit, generate micro-bubbles, and supply the micro-bubbles to a washing space. The micro-bubble generator includes a dissolving unit configured to mix or dissolve gas into the wash water from the water supply valve unit. The dissolving unit includes: a water supply line connection connected indirectly to the water supply valve unit, configured to introduce the wash water; a supply hole providing a path in which gas is introduced into a dissolution space; and a dissolved water drain portion discharging the wash water in which gas is mixed or dissolved.