Washing Machine Bubble Generator for Enhanced Detergent Solubility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines face challenges in achieving efficient washing performance while minimizing damage to laundry, particularly in effectively using bubbles for cleaning and detergent distribution.

Innovation Solution

The washing machine incorporates a bubble generator positioned between the water supply and detergent supply systems, featuring a connection pipe with a smaller diameter and a perforated plate, which generates bubbles by mixing air with wash water, enhancing detergent solubility and distribution, and includes a water pressure increasing device to optimize bubble formation and laundry washing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bubble generator is installed to generate bubbles by mixing air and water, then washing performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bubble generator is integrated into the existing water supply system by positioning it between the water supply device and detergent supply device, merging bubble generation functionality with the existing water flow path without requiring separate independent systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bubble generator serves multiple functions: it generates bubbles for improved washing performance, cleans the detergent box and drum-tub space, and can be positioned to affect multiple areas of the washing machine through strategic placement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If bubbles are used for washing, then detergent solubility is enhanced, but water usage efficiency needs optimization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetergent solubilityVSAvoidwater usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The bubble generator changes the physical state of water from liquid to bubbly form, increasing the surface area and reactivity of water, which enhances detergent solubility and washing efficiency while potentially reducing the total volume of water needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the bubble generator is positioned to bubble all wash water, then washing efficiency is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bubble generator is positioned upstream in the water flow path, before water reaches the detergent box and drum-tub space, allowing bubbles to be generated in advance and distributed throughout the washing areas, ensuring all wash water is bubbled without requiring complex downstream modifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 configuration improves washing performance by ensuring all wash water is bubbled, reducing water usage, enhancing detergent solubility, and minimizing laundry damage, while allowing for effective cleaning of the drum and tub spaces.

Implementation Method 1

a bubble generator configured to generate bubbles by mixing wash water with air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBubble generation through air-water mixing: Aeration

Implementation Method 2

a water pressure increasing device configured to increase water pressure of the water supplied to the bubble generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater pressure increase: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3583262B1Washing machine
Publication Date: 2022.11.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3583262B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3583262B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3583262B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A washing machine including a bubble generator. The washing machine includes a detergent box configured to store a detergent, a detergent box housing configured to accommodate the detergent box therein and a bubble generator to generate bubbles to be supplied and configured to mix water supplied to the detergent box with air.