Washing Machine Ozone Feed Layout for Higher Ozone Solubility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face inefficiencies when reducing detergent usage, as it lowers washing efficiency and requires compensating with increased temperature or duration, and ozone's low water solubility limits its disinfection and bleaching effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine design incorporates an ozone pipe that directs ozone gas in the reverse flow of water through a pipe with an angle greater than 90°, enhancing ozone solubility and ORP value for improved disinfection and bleaching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ozone gas is introduced into water in the conventional flow direction, then the structure is simple, but the water solubility of ozone is low and disinfection effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reverse flow by introducing ozone gas into the water pipe in the opposite direction of water flow. The ozone pipe is configured at an angle greater than 90° (preferably between 135°-180°) relative to the water flow direction, causing ozone gas to rise against the downward water flow. This inversion of the conventional co-flow approach dramatically increases ozone-water contact time and solubility, enhancing disinfection effectiveness without requiring complex additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow direction parameter of ozone gas relative to water flow from conventional co-flow to reverse flow. By adjusting the ozone pipe angle to greater than 90°, the patent optimizes the interaction between ozone gas and water flow, increasing ozone dissolution rate and water solubility. This parameter change transforms the low-efficiency conventional mixing into high-efficiency reverse-flow mixing, achieving superior disinfection results.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If detergent usage is reduced to decrease chemical waste, then environmental impact is reduced, but washing efficiency is profoundly lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes ozone, a strong oxidant, to replace chemical detergents for washing and disinfection. Ozone gas is introduced into the water supply pipe in reverse flow, creating highly ozonated water with elevated ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) values. This strong oxidizing action effectively removes soil, disinfects, and brightens fabrics, achieving washing efficiency comparable to or exceeding conventional detergent methods while eliminating chemical waste and residue problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical mechanism of detergent action with the physical-chemical mechanism of ozone oxidation. Instead of relying on surfactants and chemical agents, the system uses ozone gas dissolved in water to achieve washing, disinfection, and bleaching effects. This substitution eliminates chemical waste while maintaining or improving washing performance through ozone's powerful oxidizing capabilities.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If washing temperature is reduced to save energy, then energy consumption decreases, but washing efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ozone's strong oxidizing power to compensate for the reduced thermal energy input. By introducing ozone gas in reverse flow into the water supply, the system creates highly reactive ozonated water that can effectively remove soil and disinfect at lower temperatures. The chemical oxidation action of ozone replaces the need for high-temperature thermal processes, achieving energy savings while maintaining washing efficiency.
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 increases ozone solubility and effectiveness, allowing for efficient washing with reduced detergent use, shorter cycles, and enhanced hygiene and sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
an ozone generator that provides ozone by ionizing the air
Implementation Method 2
the ozone gas impacts effectively with water according to the principle of reverse flow and the ozone gas is provided to dissolve in the water
Implementation Method 3
If the ORP value in the water is 600 mV. - 800 mV. the disinfection of water, and if it is above 800 mV. then sterilization of the water is provided
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A washing machine (1) comprising a tub (2) , an ozone generator (4) and a water pipe (5) providing mains water to the machine is disclosed. The ozone generator feeds ozone via an ozone pipe (6) into the water pipe so as to impact and dissolve with the water flowing in the pipe.