Washing Machine Dual-Drain Pump Design to Reduce Residual Water Odor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines experience issues with wash water remaining in the pump, leading to odor generation and potential pump malfunction due to detergent or contaminants.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates a modified pump design with dual drain hoses and a backflow prevention unit, along with a circulation system to minimize residual water and prevent backflow, utilizing a first and second drain hose connector of different diameters and a converging member to enhance drainage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional single drain hose is used, then the pump structure is simple, but wash water remains in the pump causing odors and malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The single drain hose is segmented into two separate drain hoses (first drain hose and second drain hose) with different orientations. The first drain hose extends upward to drain water during normal operation, while the second drain hose extends downward to drain residual water after operation. This segmentation allows the pump to effectively eliminate residual water without requiring complex additional components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pump structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but wash water remains causing odor generation
Solution Approach 1:
The pump utilizes the dynamic characteristic of water flow under different gravitational conditions. During operation, water flows upward through the first drain hose. After operation, residual water naturally flows downward through the second drain hose due to gravity. This dynamic approach leverages natural water behavior to prevent odor generation without adding complex mechanical components.
3Reliability
If a single drain hose is used, then the device is simple to operate, but detergent and contaminants adhere to the pump causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The solution adds a spatial dimension to the drain system by incorporating hoses with different orientations (upward and downward). This dimensional approach allows residual water and contaminants to be drained in a different direction than during normal operation, preventing adhesion to pump internal surfaces and reducing malfunction risk.
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 design effectively reduces residual water in the pump, preventing odor generation and pump malfunction by ensuring complete drainage and minimizing the risk of backflow.
Implementation Method 1
a drain pump mounted in the drain chamber and provided with a drain impeller configured to generate a drain pressure in the drain chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a washing machine. The washing machine includes a tub, a drum rotatably provided in the tub, and a pump for draining and circulating wash water. The pump includes a pump housing, a drain chamber formed in the pump housing, a drain pump mounted in the drain chamber and provided with a drain impeller for generating a drain pressure in the drain chamber, a first drain hose connector extending from the upper portion of the drain chamber to drain the wash water in response to rotation of the impeller in one direction, a second drain hose connector extending from the lower portion of the drain chamber to drain the wash water in response to rotation of the impeller in the opposite direction, a first drain hose connected to the first drain hose connector, and a second drain hose connected to the second drain hose connector.