Washing Machine Bidirectional Pump for Circulation and Discharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines require two pumps for water circulation and discharge, leading to a complex structure and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A single pump with bidirectional rotation capability is used, allowing for selective implementation of water circulation and discharge operations without the need for separate valves, and featuring a pump housing with strategically positioned outlets to prevent leakage and optimize water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate pumps are used for water circulation and discharge, then water circulation and discharge functions are achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate pumps (circulation pump and discharge pump) into a single integrated pump unit. The pump housing contains both the circulation water discharge port and the discharge port, allowing one pump to perform both water circulation and discharge functions that previously required two separate pumps, thereby simplifying the overall structure and reducing production costs
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump is designed with multi-functionality to perform both water circulation and discharge operations. The pump housing includes strategically positioned outlets (circulation water discharge port and discharge port) that enable the same pump mechanism to serve multiple purposes: circulating water during washing and discharging water during drainage, eliminating the need for separate dedicated pumps for each function
2Reliability
If two separate pumps are used for water circulation and discharge, then water circulation and discharge functions are achieved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate pumps (circulation pump and discharge pump) into a single integrated pump unit. The pump housing contains both the circulation water discharge port and the discharge port, allowing one pump to perform both water circulation and discharge functions that previously required two separate pumps, thereby simplifying the overall structure and reducing production costs
3Device complexity
If a single pump is used for both circulation and discharge, then structure is simplified and costs reduced, but water leakage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct flow paths and outlet positions within the pump housing. The circulation water discharge port and discharge port are positioned at different locations with different orientations (circulation port extends forward in rotation direction, discharge port extends backward), ensuring that water flow for circulation and discharge are spatially separated and do not interfere with each other, thus preventing leakage while maintaining the simplified single-pump structure
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing is segmented into distinct outlet regions: a circulation water discharge port for circulation function and a discharge port for discharge function. This segmentation allows the single pump to handle different water flow paths separately, preventing cross-contamination and leakage between circulation and discharge operations
4Device complexity
If a single pump is used for both circulation and discharge, then structure is simplified and costs reduced, but water distribution accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct flow paths and outlet positions within the pump housing. The circulation water discharge port and discharge port are positioned at different locations with different orientations (circulation port extends forward in rotation direction, discharge port extends backward), ensuring that water flow for circulation and discharge are spatially separated and do not interfere with each other, thus preventing leakage while maintaining the simplified single-pump structure
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 solution simplifies the machine's structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures accurate water circulation and discharge, while uniformly dampening clothes and minimizing detergent residue exposure.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller 150 rotated by the pump motor 170
Implementation Method 2
a circulation nozzle 12 configured to spray water into the inner tub 5
Implementation Method 3
a pump housing 140 configured to form a space in which the impeller 150 is accommodated and to include a supply port 142 into which water discharged from the outer tub 6 is introduced, a circulation water discharge port 144 coupled to the other end of the circulation hose 90 and having a circulation water outlet 144a, and a water discharge port 143 coupled to the water discharge hose 11 and having a water discharge outlet 143a
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a circulation hose, a water discharge hose, and a pump configured to selectively supply water to the circulation hose and the water discharge hose. The pump may include a pump motor that is reversible and rotatable in a first direction and second direction, an impeller rotated by the pump motor, and a pump housing to provide a space in which the impeller is accommodated. The pump housing may include a supply port, a circulation water discharge port coupled to a second end of the circulation hose, and a water discharge port coupled to the water discharge hose. The water discharge outlet and the circulation water outlet may be arranged in a circumferential direction and spaced apart from each other on a ring-shaped inner surface of the pump housing.