Washing Machine Filter Self-Cleaning During Water Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines often require additional tub washing operations, which are time-consuming and inefficient, leading to potential contamination of laundry due to unclean basket and tub components.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design that includes a rotatable basket with an opening and through holes, a pulsator, and a controller to manage water supply and discharge, allowing for automatic cleaning of filters and components during the washing or rinsing process without additional tub washing operations, using a powerful water stream to wash the filter surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional tub washing operation is provided, then the tub and basket can be cleaned, but it consumes considerable amounts of time, water and electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter cleaning function with the existing water discharge process. The water discharge pump serves dual purposes: discharging washing water and cleaning the filter. This merging eliminates the need for a separate tub washing operation while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The water discharge pump is designed to perform multiple functions: discharging washing water from the tub and simultaneously cleaning the filter by spraying water onto it. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated cleaning operations.
2Reliability
If an additional tub washing operation is provided, then the tub and basket can be cleaned, but it requires additional water and electricity consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter cleaning function with the existing water discharge process. The water discharge pump serves dual purposes: discharging washing water and cleaning the filter. This merging eliminates the need for a separate tub washing operation while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cleans itself using the water discharge pump's spray. The system uses its own operational resources (water discharge) to perform the cleaning function, eliminating the need for additional water and energy input specifically for filter maintenance.
3Reliability
If the basket rotates at high speed during water discharge, then a powerful water stream is generated to clean the filter, but water may be raised beyond the upper end of the basket
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic speed control of the basket during water discharge. The basket rotates at different speeds at different stages: initially at a lower speed to prevent overflow, then accelerated to a higher speed to generate the powerful water stream needed for effective filter cleaning. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both safety and cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The water discharge process occurs in periodic stages with different rotational speeds. The basket first rotates at a controlled speed to establish safe water levels, then accelerates to high speed for the cleaning action, creating a periodic cycle that prevents overflow while achieving cleaning goals.
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 automatic and efficient cleaning of filters and components during operation, reducing time and labor, and preventing laundry contamination by pollutants from the basket or tub.
Implementation Method 1
creating a powerful water stream that washes a surface of a filter during a discharge of water
Implementation Method 2
water may be raised between the drum and the tub and may press to the tub due to a centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the basket, whereby a surface of water where the water presses to the tub may be separated from the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine and a method of controlling the washing machine is provided. The method may include supplying water to a tub, treating laundry by rotating a basket provided in the tub, and discharging water in the tub, wherein discharging the water includes rotating the basket during the water discharge so as to wash a filter, which may be provided between the tub and an opening formed in a lower portion of the basket, using a water stream.