Washing Machine Recirculation Circuit to Reduce Structural Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines with recirculation circuits have complex structures that complicate assembly and increase costs, while also not optimizing the cleaning action effectively.
Innovation Solution
A simplified recirculation circuit design featuring a first conduit connecting the outlet conduit to a recirculation pump and a second conduit that reintroduces the fluid into the tub through its lower surface, with a compact and easy-to-assemble configuration, including a corrugated shape and a removable insert to divert fluid flow, optimizing detergent dissolution and fluid reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a recirculation circuit is implemented with external conduits and valves to facilitate detergent dissolution and fluid circulation, then the washing performance is improved, but the structural complexity and assembly difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the recirculation circuit components (conduits, pump connections) directly with the washing tub structure. The first conduit connects the outlet conduit to the recirculation pump, and the second conduit connects the pump back to the tub, forming an integrated recirculation system that is structurally unified with the tub rather than being separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing tub serves multiple functions: it is both the washing chamber and an integral part of the recirculation circuit. The tub's structure incorporates connection points for both the outlet conduit and the recirculation conduits, allowing it to function as both a containment vessel and a fluid circulation component.
2Productivity
If complex recirculation structures with multiple conduits and control valves are used, then detergent dissolution and fluid circulation are enhanced, but implementation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation conduits are integrated into the washing tub structure, eliminating the need for separate external conduit systems. This merging of functions reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing implementation costs while maintaining detergent dissolution efficiency.
3Productivity
If recirculation circuits are designed with external pump connections and valve systems, then fluid recirculation is achieved, but assembly difficulty and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation circuit is merged with the washing tub structure, with conduits and connection points directly integrated into the tub body. This eliminates the need for complex external piping and reduces the number of assembly steps required to install the recirculation system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If elaborate control structures with selective valve positioning are implemented, then recirculation flow control is optimized, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex valve control system from the recirculation circuit design. Instead of using selective valve positioning to control flow, the invention uses a simplified conduit arrangement where the first conduit connects the outlet to the pump and the second conduit connects the pump back to the tub, eliminating the need for elaborate control valves while maintaining recirculation functionality.
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 results in a washing machine with a simplified structure, lower implementation costs, and enhanced cleaning efficiency through effective recirculation of the washing fluid, ensuring quicker detergent activation and improved cleaning action.
Implementation Method 1
a recirculation pump (62), wherein: the first conduit (61) connects an end portion of the outlet conduit (40) to the recirculation pump (62); the second conduit (63) allows a connection between the pump (62) and the tub (10)
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine comprising: a washing tub (10) wherein a rotatably drum (20) is mounted, adapted to contain garments to be washed, a washing fluid comprising water and one or more detergent substances to be delivered into the tub (10) and the drum (20); an outlet conduit (40) connected, through its end portion (50), to the tub (10) for conveying the washing fluid outside of the tub (10); a recirculation circuit (60) comprising a first conduit (61), a recirculation pump (62) and a second, conduit (63), wherein: the first conduit (61) connecting the end portion (50) of the outlet conduit (40) to the recirculation pump (62); the second conduit (63) allowing a connection between the recirculation pump (62) and the tub (10); the recirculation pump (62) is configured to draw the fluid from the tub (10) through the first conduit (61) and to feed the fluid back in the tub (10) through the second conduit ( 63 ).