Washing machine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face challenges in effectively removing microparticles from wastewater, as the microparticle filter is often limited in size and placement, leading to contamination risks and inefficiencies in the filtration process.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design with a microparticle filter positioned below the drum and tub, allowing for a larger filter surface area and reduced contamination risk, featuring a filter housing with a membrane, brush for cleaning, and a collecting device to manage dirt particles, along with a fill level detection system and ventilation to maintain the filter's effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the microparticle filter is arranged near the detergent drawer in the upper area of the washing machine, then the filter can be installed in the available space, but the filter surface area is reduced and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is inverted from its conventional upper position near the detergent drawer to a lower position below the drum and tub. This inversion allows the filter to be placed in the lower section where space is abundant, enabling a larger filter surface area while simultaneously reducing contamination risk by positioning it away from the detergent drawer area.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter positioning transitions from the upper horizontal dimension near the detergent drawer to the lower vertical dimension below the drum and tub. This dimensional change exploits the unused lower space in the washing machine, allowing for both larger filter surface area and reduced contamination exposure.
2Area of stationary object
If the microparticle filter is positioned in the upper area near the detergent drawer, then installation space is limited, but the filter can be easily accessed for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the filter in the conventional upper accessible position, the filter is inverted to the lower area below the drum and tub. The design compensates for reduced accessibility by making the filter module itself detachable, allowing users to remove and clean the filter easily despite its lower position.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is designed as a separate, detachable module that can be easily removed from the washing machine. This segmentation allows the filter to be positioned in the lower area for optimal surface area while maintaining ease of maintenance through simple detachment and reattachment operations.
3Reliability
If dirty water travels long distances through hoses to reach the filter in the upper area, then the filter can be positioned for maintenance access, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter position is inverted from upper to lower, placing it in direct proximity to where dirty water naturally accumulates below the drum and tub. This eliminates the need for long hose journeys and pump lifting, allowing dirty water to flow directly into the filter by gravity, thereby reducing contamination risk during transport.
4Area of stationary object
If a pump is used to lift dirty water to the upper filter position, then the filter can be installed in the upper area, but energy consumption and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is inverted to the lower position where dirty water naturally flows by gravity. This eliminates the need for pumps to lift water to an upper filter position, reducing energy consumption while maintaining or increasing filter surface area in the lower section.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is positioned at the same gravitational potential level as the dirty water accumulation zone below the drum and tub. This equipotential positioning allows water to flow directly into the filter without requiring energy-consuming pumping, while the lower position provides ample space for a large filter surface area.
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 configuration enhances the filtration efficiency by preventing microparticles from entering wastewater, reduces the risk of contamination, and allows for easier maintenance and monitoring of filter performance, ensuring effective separation of clean and dirty water.
Implementation Method 1
a filter membrane (4) arranged in the filter housing (11) between the water inlet (5) and the water outlet (6)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a washing machine with a tub for receiving water, a drum (1) rotatably mounted in the tub for receiving laundry and a filter (2), in particular a microparticle filter, arranged below the drum (1) and/or below the tub with reference to an operational installation position of the washing machine.