Washing Machine Bypass Flow Path for Filter Clogging Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines often stop operation due to clogged filters during washing cycles, leading to inefficiencies and potential environmental issues from undischarged water.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flow path switching device that can divert water around a clogged filter, utilizing sensors to detect clogging and control the flow path, ensuring continuous operation and preventing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is installed in the pump device to filter foreign materials, then filtering performance is improved, but the washing machine stops operation when the filter is clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The pump device is segmented into two independent flow paths: a filtering flow path with the filter and a bypass flow path without the filter. The flow path switching device divides water flow between these two paths based on filter clogging status, allowing the system to maintain operational continuity while preserving filtering capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow path parameter dynamically based on filter clogging detection. When the filter is clogged, the flow path switching device redirects water from the filtering flow path to the bypass flow path, changing the operational state from filtered to unfiltered flow to maintain productivity.
2Reliability
If the washing machine stops when the filter is clogged to prevent damage, then filter protection is improved, but water discharge is prevented causing environmental issues
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path switching device acts as an intermediary between the clogged filter and the pump. Instead of allowing the clogged filter to directly stop the washing machine operation, the switching device mediates by redirecting water through the bypass flow path, protecting the filter while ensuring continuous water discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The clogged filter condition, which would normally be harmful by stopping operation, is converted into a beneficial state by triggering the bypass mechanism. This allows the system to identify filter clogging and respond by maintaining operation through alternative flow paths, turning a potential failure into a controlled operational mode change.
3Productivity
If a bypass flow path is added to allow water to bypass the filter, then operational continuity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path switching device serves multiple functions: it switches between filtering and bypass modes, detects filter clogging status, and controls water distribution to different flow paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall device complexity while maintaining operational continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine includes: a housing; a tub inside the housing; a case connected with the tub; a filter attachable to or detachable from the case; a filtering flow path formed to pass through a portion of the filter; a bypass flow path formed to bypass the portion of the filter; and at least one sensor configured to obtain information about a state of the filter. The washing machine includes; a flow path switching device configured to guide water entered into the case to the filtering flow path or the bypass flow path; and a controller configured to control the flow path switching device to guide the water based on the obtained information about the state of the filter.