Washing machine, components thereof and methods of cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines, particularly continuous motion pot and pan washing machines, face challenges in accessing and cleaning concealed areas such as the discharge manifold, which can trap debris and hinder efficiency and performance, and lack effective sealing during pressurization.
Innovation Solution
A removable jet channel is introduced that provides easier access for cleaning the discharge manifold by creating a seal between the wash tank and discharge manifold, and a purging system is implemented to remove debris from concealed areas using strategically positioned purging ports and a selector valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the discharge manifold is permanently installed to maintain sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge manifold is divided into multiple segments that can be independently removed and reassembled. This segmentation allows the manifold to be disassembled for cleaning while maintaining a sealed connection during operation, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and ease of cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge manifold incorporates dynamic sealing elements that adapt to operational conditions. These elements maintain reliable sealing during pressurized operation but allow for easy disassembly and cleaning when needed, enabling the system to transition between sealed operation and accessible maintenance states.
2Reliability
If the jet channel is permanently fixed to maintain sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The jet channel is designed as a removable component that can be separated from the discharge manifold for cleaning. This segmentation enables the jet channel to be easily accessed and cleaned while maintaining a sealed connection during washing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet channel is extracted as a separate, removable component from the permanent structure. This extraction allows the jet channel to be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance while the discharge manifold remains in place, resolving the contradiction between maintaining sealing and enabling easy cleaning.
3Ease of repair
If concealed areas are left accessible to remove cleaning obstacles, then ease of cleaning is improved, but debris accumulation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The removable discharge manifold acts as an intermediary element that provides access to concealed areas during cleaning while preventing debris entry during operation. When installed, it seals to prevent debris accumulation; when removed, it enables thorough cleaning of previously inaccessible areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be disassembled preliminarily for cleaning operations before debris accumulation becomes problematic. The removable components allow scheduled maintenance cleaning that prevents harmful debris buildup while maintaining sealed operation during normal use.
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 allows for effective cleaning of the discharge manifold and concealed areas, maintaining the machine's efficiency and performance while ensuring proper sealing during operation, thereby enhancing the overall cleaning process and reducing debris accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
a pump in fluid communication with the volume of washing fluid such that the pump is capable of simultaneously drawing washing fluid from and delivering washing fluid to the wash tank
Implementation Method 2
Each jet directs its jet stream toward the bottom wall of the wash tank, the bottom wall then deflects the jet stream upward
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cleaning a washing machine and components and systems for enabling a user to clean the washing machine are provided. The method includes gaining access to debris that is trapped in otherwise inaccessible and/or concealed areas and/or directing debris out of inaccessible and/or concealed areas. The components include a jet channel that selectively couples to a discharge manifold in use and is removable to provide access to an interior area of the discharge manifold for cleaning. The systems include a removable mount assembly for accessories and a purging system for pumps and other concealed areas. The purging system is configured to discharge purging fluid through a plurality of purging ports and into concealed areas so as to direct debris in the concealed areas out of the concealed areas.