Washing machine with a bubble generating unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines with bubble generating units that introduce ambient temperature air into the tub can extend wash cycle times, as the cooling effect of bubbles disrupts the desired wash liquid temperature, particularly in high-temperature cycles.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a bubble generating unit that includes a heating element to heat the air before introduction into the tub, combined with a rotatable drum and a bubble distributing element, ensuring the temperature of the washing liquid remains consistent by rapidly heating the water and air, thus shortening the wash cycle time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ambient temperature air is introduced into the tub to generate bubbles, then washing with bubbles is achieved, but the washing liquid temperature drops and wash cycle time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element pre-heats the air before it is introduced into the tub to generate bubbles. This preliminary heating action prevents the air from cooling the washing liquid, thereby avoiding extension of the wash cycle time while maintaining the beneficial bubble washing effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature parameter of the air is changed from ambient temperature to heated temperature before introduction into the tub. This parameter change ensures that the air bubbles do not cause unwanted cooling of the washing liquid, maintaining optimal washing temperature and cycle time.
2Ease of manufacture
If ambient temperature air is introduced into the tub to generate bubbles, then bubble washing is achieved, but the washing liquid temperature control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element performs preliminary heating of the air before it enters the tub. This pre-action ensures that the air temperature is already elevated, preventing it from causing unwanted temperature drops in the washing liquid and simplifying temperature control during the wash cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensing and control mechanisms to monitor the washing liquid temperature and adjust the heating element operation accordingly. This feedback loop ensures precise temperature control while maintaining bubble generation, preventing the washing liquid temperature from dropping below the desired setpoint.
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 integration of a heating element in the bubble generating unit allows for efficient heating of the washing liquid and air, maintaining cycle efficiency and potentially shortening wash times without increasing cycle duration, even at high temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element for heating the air before introducing into the tub
Implementation Method 2
the heating element has a tubular element in thermal contact with the bubble distributing element
Implementation Method 3
a bubble generating unit for introducing air into the tub and generating bubbles in a washing liquid within said tub
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a washing machine 10 with a tub 20, and a bubble generating unit 40 for generating bubbles in a washing liquid W within said tub 20. The bubble generating unit 40 is provided with a heating element 41 that heats air or a mixture of air and the washing liquid W before being introduced into the tub 20, and in this manner simply and easily introduces hot air into the tub 20.