Washing Machine Filtering Member with Automatic Clog Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional washing machines discharge microplastics into wastewater, causing environmental pollution, and existing filtering systems require user intervention to detect filter clogging, leading to inaccurate replacements and aesthetic issues.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine with a filtering member featuring a receptacle, overflow outlet, level sensor, and control unit that automatically detects filter clogging by measuring water levels, preventing measurement errors with a dual-chamber design and guiding mechanism, and using a magnetic buoy for accurate water level detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a filtering member is installed to filter washing water, then environmental pollution from microplastics is reduced, but the filter requires user intervention to detect clogging which leads to inaccurate replacement timing and aesthetic issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental pollution from microplasticsVSAvoiduser intervention required for filter detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system performs self-detection of clogging status through the level sensor that automatically monitors water level in the receptacle. The system self-regulates by triggering notifications or automatic operations based on detected filter status, eliminating the need for manual user inspection and intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The level sensor provides continuous feedback about the water level in the receptacle to the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically determine when the filter is clogged based on water level changes, enabling timely filter replacement without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of repair

If the filter is positioned to be accessible by users, then ease of maintenance is improved, but the accumulated fibers on the filter create bad appearance and decrease quality perception

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of filter maintenanceVSAvoidappearance quality of filter

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is segmented into a filtering member and a separate receptacle. The receptacle can be positioned to contain accumulated fibers and water, while the filtering member itself can be designed for easy removal and replacement. This segmentation allows the ugly accumulated fibers to be hidden in the receptacle while maintaining easy access for filter maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If manual filter detection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy of filter fullness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of filter detection systemVSAvoidaccuracy of filter fullness detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical inspection method is replaced with an automatic level sensor system. The level sensor electronically detects water level changes in the receptacle, providing precise measurement of filter fullness without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms. This substitution achieves high measurement accuracy while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables precise and automatic detection of filter fullness without user intervention, reducing environmental impact and improving user experience by ensuring timely filter maintenance and preventing aesthetic issues from fiber accumulation.

Implementation Method 1

a level sensor which detects the level of the water fill in the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic buoy for accurate water level detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

at least one filter which filters the fibers and particles carried in the circulation water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 4

an overflow outlet which allows some of the water in the receptacle to fill therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity-driven flow: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3983600B1A washing machine comprising a filtering member

Publication Date: 2024.06.26 ARCELIK AS

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a body (2); a tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is performed; a circulation line (4) wherein the water taken from the tub (3) is circulated; and a filtering member (5) having a water inlet (8) through which the water coming from the circulation line (4) is taken, a receptacle (6) wherein the water taken through the water inlet (7) fills, at least one filter (10) which is disposed in the receptacle (6) and which filters the circulation water and a water outlet (8) which enables the water passing through the filter (10) to be discharged out of the receptacle (6).