Washing machine overflow prevention device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overflow prevention devices fail to effectively prevent flooding near washing machines due to their inability to detect and respond to high water levels in standpipes in a timely and automatic manner.
Innovation Solution
A plug-port assembly with a switching sensor positioned in the standpipe, which detects water levels and actuates a breaker to decouple the power supply to the washing machine, preventing flooding by using a microprocessor-controlled system with a float mechanism and alerting the user with a red light emitting diode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a switching sensor is positioned in the standpipe to detect water levels, then flooding prevention capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic water level detection systems with a simple mechanical float mechanism. The float rises and falls with water level, mechanically actuating a switch at a predetermined height to trigger the breaker. This mechanical substitution maintains reliable flooding prevention while significantly reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a breaker as an intermediary component between the switching sensor and the power supply. The breaker serves as a safety intermediary that automatically disconnects power when the float-actuated switch detects high water levels, providing reliable flooding prevention through a simple intermediary mechanism rather than complex direct control
2Loss of time
If automatic power disconnection is implemented through a breaker system, then response time to high water levels is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by positioning the breaker in advance within the electrical circuit between the outlet and the washing machine. When the float mechanism detects high water levels, the breaker immediately disconnects power without delay. This preliminary placement of the protective device enables instantaneous response time while maintaining simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a self-service mechanism where the float automatically rises with water levels and directly actuates the switch that triggers the breaker. The system serves itself by using the water's own buoyancy force to activate the protective disconnection, achieving rapid automatic response without complex control systems or external intervention
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 solution effectively prevents flooding by automatically disconnecting the power to the washing machine when a high water level is detected, alerting the user and allowing for timely correction of the issue, thus protecting against water damage.
Implementation Method 1
A switching sensor is coupled to and positioned in a standpipe. The switching sensor is operationally coupled to the plug and the breaker. The switching sensor is configured to detect a water level in the standpipe
Implementation Method 2
alerting the user with a red light emitting diode
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine overflow prevention device for preventing flooding includes a plug-port assembly that comprises a plug, a port, and a breaker. The plug is configured to insert into an outlet that is coupled to an electrical circuit of a building. The port is configured to insert a power cord plug of a washing machine to power the washing machine, and the breaker is positioned to operationally couple the plug to the port. A switching sensor is coupled to and positioned in a standpipe. The switching sensor is operationally coupled to the plug and the breaker. The switching sensor is configured to detect a water level in the standpipe and to selectively actuate the breaker to decouple the port from the plug in event of a high-water level in the standpipe to prevent flooding of an area proximate to the washing machine.