Washing Machine Jet Nozzle Design for Direct Detergent Dissolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines lack the ability to effectively dissolve detergents when directly fed into the drum, especially when using separate detergent containers or packed detergents, leading to inefficiencies and inconvenience in washing operations.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a control unit that manages water supply and drum rotation to ensure proper detergent dissolution, including a user interface for selecting detergent feeding methods and a jet nozzle for oblique water jetting into the drum, allowing for automatic or manual detergent feeding and dissolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If detergent is directly fed into the drum without automatic detergent feeder, then user can use separate detergent containers and packed detergents, but detergent dissolution is incomplete and washing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a jet nozzle as an intermediary device that directs water flow onto the detergent container or packed detergent in the drum. This mediator facilitates the dissolution process by concentrating water flow on the detergent, enabling complete dissolution even when detergent is directly fed into the drum without automatic detergent feeder.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit operates the jet nozzle intermittently during the washing cycle, directing water jets at specific intervals onto the detergent. This periodic action ensures continuous dissolution progress while maintaining washing efficiency, resolving the contradiction between flexible detergent feeding and effective dissolution.
2Reliability
If water is supplied continuously to dissolve detergent directly in drum, then detergent dissolution improves, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using a jet nozzle to concentrate water flow into high-velocity streams that directly impact the detergent. This hydraulic approach achieves effective dissolution with reduced water quantity compared to continuous water supply, as the jetted water penetrates and dissolves detergent more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes water supply parameters by switching from continuous water supply to intermittent jetted water supply. This parameter change maintains dissolution effectiveness while reducing overall water consumption, as jets deliver concentrated water flow only when needed for detergent dissolution.
3Productivity
If jet nozzle is added for water jetting, then detergent dissolution efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jet nozzle is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a water distribution device and a detergent dissolution accelerator. By integrating this single component into the existing water supply system, the patent achieves improved dissolution efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the jet nozzle performs multiple functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit manages the jet nozzle operation automatically based on washing cycle stage and detergent detection, making the system self-regulating. This automation reduces the need for complex manual controls or additional monitoring devices, as the system self-adjusts jet nozzle operation to optimize dissolution while maintaining simplicity.
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 full detergent dissolution and efficient washing operations by controlling water supply and drum rotation, accommodating various detergent types and feeding methods, thereby improving washing machine performance and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a jet nozzle that is disposed in an inlet of the tub and jets water into the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine may include a drum that is rotatably provided inside a tub, a first water supply unit that directly jets water into the drum, a second water supply unit that supplies water to the tub via an automatic detergent supply unit, an input unit that receives selection of any one of detergent supply through the automatic detergent supply unit and detergent supply through a detergent container, and a control unit that jets water into the drum using the first water supply unit so that a detergent accommodated in the detergent container flows out, when the detergent supply through the detergent container is selected.