Washing machine having circulation nozzles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine designs face complications in flow path structure due to multiple water supply conduits for circulation nozzles, hygiene issues with foreign matter accumulation, and durability problems from tub perforation for water circulation paths.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle water supply conduit system with a first and second conduit portion branching from a common circulation conduit, positioned outside the gasket to supply water to multiple nozzles, preventing contamination and easy detachment, and using a Y-shaped structure with balancing weights to maintain connection during tub vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple water supply conduits are provided for multiple circulation nozzles, then each nozzle can be supplied with water independently, but the flow path structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple water supply conduits are merged into a single common water supply conduit that branches to supply water to multiple circulation nozzles. This reduces the number of separate conduits while maintaining independent water supply capability to each nozzle, thereby simplifying the overall flow path structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single common water supply conduit is segmented into multiple branches that extend to different circulation nozzles. This segmentation allows independent water supply to each nozzle while using a unified main conduit, resolving the contradiction between reliability and structural complexity.
2Device complexity
If the nozzle water path is disposed in the tub, then the flow path configuration is simplified, but foreign matter accumulates in the gap between the tub and nozzle water path creating hygiene problems
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle water path is extracted from the tub and repositioned to extend from the rear surface of the front portion toward the drum without being disposed inside the tub. This extraction eliminates the gap between the tub and nozzle water path where foreign matter could accumulate, resolving the hygiene problem while maintaining simplified flow path configuration.
3Ease of operation
If the tub is perforated to connect the pump to the nozzle water path, then water circulation is enabled, but the sealed state cannot be maintained due to tub vibration affecting durability
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle water path is extracted from the tub and positioned externally, eliminating the need to perforate the tub. The pump remains outside the tub and connects to the externally positioned nozzle water path, enabling water circulation while maintaining the tub's integrity and sealed state, thus resolving the durability issue caused by vibrations.
4Productivity
If multiple circulation nozzles are provided on the gasket, then water can be sprayed into the drum through multiple points, but the number of water supply conduits must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple water supply conduits that would individually supply each circulation nozzle are merged into a single common water supply conduit. This common conduit branches to reach multiple nozzles on the gasket, enabling multi-point water spraying while using only one main water supply conduit, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine includes a casing having an input port which is formed in a front surface thereof and to which laundry is inputted; a tub which is disposed in the casing to contain fluid, and has an opening communicating with the input port; a drum which is rotatably disposed in the tub, and contains the laundry; a pump which pumps water discharged from the tub; a circulation conduit which guides the water pumped by the pump; an annular gasket which forms a channel connecting the input port and the opening of the tub, and has a plurality of nozzles for spraying water into the drum on an inner circumferential surface defining the channel; and a nozzle water supply conduit which is fixed to the gasket, and supplies the water pumped by the pump to the plurality of nozzles.