Washing machine with detergent dissolving system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machines face challenges in enhancing detergent efficacy, particularly in delicate programs like hand wash, wool, or silk, and in preventing detergent residue on textile products, as conventional methods may damage textiles or fail to fully dissolve detergent chemicals.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine with a detergent dissolving system that utilizes a jet pump, a valve, and a control unit to mix detergent and water within the pump body before releasing it into the washing environment, allowing for extended mixing times during delicate programs and lower temperatures, and incorporating a heating cycle with a heater to enhance detergent dissolving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If temperature is increased to enhance detergent dissolving, then detergent efficacy is improved, but delicate textiles may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetergent dissolving efficiencyVSAvoidtextile damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by dissolving detergent in the detergent compartment before the main washing cycle begins. The jet pump creates water circulation that dissolves detergent powder in advance, allowing the detergent to be fully activated before contacting the laundry. This eliminates the need for high temperatures during the washing process itself, protecting delicate textiles while ensuring effective detergent dissolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If mechanical motion is increased to enhance washing performance, then washing efficacy is improved, but delicate textiles may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing performanceVSAvoidtextile damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The jet pump creates water circulation and mechanical motion in the detergent compartment before the main washing cycle. This preliminary mechanical action dissolves the detergent thoroughly, allowing the detergent solution to be transferred to the drum without requiring intense mechanical agitation during the actual washing of delicate items. The detergent is pre-activated, reducing the need for harsh mechanical treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If detergent dissolving time is extended to improve dissolution, then detergent efficacy is enhanced, but washing cycle time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetergent dissolutionVSAvoidwashing cycle duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the washing process into distinct phases: a preliminary detergent dissolving phase in the detergent compartment using the jet pump, followed by the main washing phase in the drum. This segmentation allows detergent dissolution to occur in parallel with water heating and before the main wash, optimizing the use of time without extending the overall cycle duration. The jet pump's high-velocity water flow also accelerates dissolution during this phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The jet pump utilizes hydraulic principles to create high-velocity water circulation in the detergent compartment. The pump draws water from the bottom of the compartment and喷射 it upward, creating turbulence and rapid water movement that accelerates detergent dissolution. This hydraulic action provides efficient mixing and dissolution without requiring extended time, as the high-velocity water flow quickly distributes detergent throughout the water.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Device complexity

If conventional detergent delivery is used, then device complexity is minimized, but detergent residue remains on textiles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetergent delivery systemVSAvoiddetergent residue prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The jet pump creates a hydraulic flow that continuously circulates water through the detergent compartment, ensuring complete dissolution and suspension of detergent particles. This high-velocity water circulation prevents undissolved detergent from being transferred to the drum, eliminating residue on textiles. The hydraulic action creates turbulence that keeps detergent particles suspended until fully dissolved, then directs the clear detergent solution to the main washing area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 solution effectively enhances washing performance by ensuring thorough detergent activation and prevention of residue on textiles, particularly in delicate programs, by maximizing detergent mixing and dissolving efficiency within the pump before releasing it into the wash environment.

Implementation Method 1

at least one jet pump (3) used to pressurize the washing water coming from the detergent compartment (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJet pump pressurization: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

incorporating a heating cycle with a heater to enhance detergent dissolving

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

The jet pump is activated in the main washing step and enables circulating water and enhancing the washing process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid circulation and mixing: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3732322B1Washing machine with detergent dissolving system
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 ARCELIK AS
  • EP3732322B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3732322B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3732322B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a washing machine (1 ) with enhanced detergent efficacy used in washing the laundry items, comprising in its most basic form, at least one detergent compartment (2) in which detergent is placed and through which washing water is passed, at least one jet pump (3) to pressurize the washing water with detergent coming to the detergent compartment (2), at least one valve (4) used by being placed at the jet pump (3) outlet, and at least one control unit (5) transmitting commands to turn the valve (4) on and off.