Washing machine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fine-bubble generation apparatus in washing machines reduces water flow rate, leading to longer water feeding times and undissolved detergent issues due to the Venturi effect, which affects washing performance.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design that incorporates a fine-bubble generation apparatus with a control system to alternately open and close valves for fine-bubble and main water pathways, ensuring efficient detergent dissolution and reduced water feeding time by using fine bubble water initially and switching to higher flow rate main water when detergent is dissolved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is passed through the fine-bubble generation apparatus to generate fine bubbles, then washing performance is improved through surfactant interaction, but water flow rate decreases leading to longer feeding time
Solution Approach 1:
The water feeding process is segmented into two distinct pathways: a fine-bubble generation pathway (FB feed-water pathway) that prioritizes washing quality, and a main feed-water pathway that prioritizes speed. The control apparatus selectively activates these pathways based on operational requirements, allowing the system to optimize between washing performance and feeding speed for different washing stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different water feeding modes by controlling the FB feed-water valve and main feed-water valve. During initial water feeding, the main pathway is activated for high-speed operation. During detergent dissolution phases, the fine-bubble pathway is activated for enhanced washing performance. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between speed and quality.
2Ease of operation
If water flow rate is reduced to generate fine bubbles, then detergent dissolution is enhanced, but water feeding time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus is programmed to activate the fine-bubble generation pathway at specific predetermined timing during the washing cycle, specifically during phases when detergent dissolution is required. This preliminary planning ensures that low-flow fine-bubble water is delivered exactly when needed for detergent interaction, while high-flow main pathway is used for rapid water filling phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between fine-bubble generation mode and main water feeding mode. The control apparatus alternates between activating the FB feed-water valve for detergent dissolution periods and the main feed-water valve for rapid filling periods, creating a rhythmic pattern that balances dissolution effectiveness with overall cycle time efficiency.
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 approach enhances washing performance by efficiently dissolving detergents and reducing water feeding time without compromising washing effectiveness, utilizing fine bubbles for improved surfactant interaction and detergent dispersion.
Implementation Method 1
the above-described fine-bubble generation apparatus utilizes what is called a Venturi effect in fluid dynamics to increase the flow velocity of water to rapidly reduce pressure, thus causing air dissolved in water to be extracted in the form of a large volume of fine air bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine includes a water tub storing water, a rotary tub arranged in the water tub, a dissolving area in which a detergent is fed and dissolved, an FB feed-water pathway which includes a fine-bubble generation apparatus allowing generation of fine bubble water and along which water fed from a feed-water source is passed through the fine-bubble generation apparatus to be fed to the dissolving area as fine bubble water, an FB feed-water valve opening and closing the FB feed-water pathway, and a control apparatus controlling opening and closing of the FB feed-water valve. The detergent and the fine bubble water are controllably brought into contact with each other to dissolve the detergent, in a washing course in which the washing machine is operated and during a period when the detergent is dissolved in feed-water.