Washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines face challenges in uniformly wetting laundry due to limited spray nozzle directions and complex structures, which lead to inefficiencies and increased assembly complexity, and interference issues between the distribution pipe, balancer, and supply duct.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design featuring a gasket with multiple nozzles and a distribution pipe system where the transport conduit is positioned between the gasket and balancer, preventing separation and interference, and allowing for a simplified assembly method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple nozzles are provided to spray circulating water into drum in multiple directions, then uniform wetting of laundry is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for distribution pipe and multiple connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket integrates multiple nozzle structures and water distribution functions into a single component that couples with the circulation pump. This merging eliminates the need for separate distribution pipes and multiple connectors, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining multi-directional spray capability for uniform laundry wetting
2Manufacturing precision
If distribution pipe is used to guide circulating water to multiple nozzles, then spray coverage is improved, but reliability decreases due to separation risk from spray pressure and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution function is merged into the gasket body itself, which is firmly coupled to the circulation pump. This integration eliminates separate distribution pipes that could separate under spray pressure or vibration, ensuring reliable and stable water distribution to all nozzles throughout operation
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is pre-assembled with all nozzle structures and water distribution channels integrated before coupling to the pump. This preliminary integration ensures proper alignment and secure connections are established before operation, preventing separation issues during high-pressure spray cycles
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional assembly method is used for gasket and balancer, then assembly process is simple, but adaptability decreases when adding circulating water supply pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is designed to integrate multiple functions including sealing, water distribution to nozzles, and structural support for the circulation system. This merging allows the same component to accommodate circulating water supply without requiring separate assembly procedures, maintaining simplicity while enabling design versatility
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 design ensures uniform water distribution to laundry, reduces assembly complexity, and prevents interference between the distribution pipe, balancer, and supply duct, enhancing operational efficiency and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a distribution pipe for distributing water pumped by a pump to the plurality of nozzles
Implementation Method 2
a gasket having a plurality of nozzles for spraying water into a drum
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a washing machine including: a gasket, wherein the gasket includes a plurality of nozzles provided on an inner circumferential surface of a gasket body to spray water into a drum, and a plurality of port receiving pipes protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the gasket body and respectively communicating with the plurality of nozzles; a distribution pipe supplying water pumped by a pump to the plurality of nozzles; and a first balancer disposed at a front surface of a tub. At least a portion of the first balancer is spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body, and at least a portion of a transport conduit of the distribution pipe is disposed in a space between the first balancer and the gasket body, and accordingly, separation of the distribution pipe from the gasket is prevented.