Washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines lack an efficient and economic solution for improving washing performance while reducing energy and water consumption during the washing cycle.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates a recirculation circuit with a pump that operates intermittently, using a valve to control water flow between the tub and draining circuit, allowing water to be recirculated from the bottom to the top of the tub, reducing water level temporarily during operation and minimizing energy loss by heating only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the recirculation pump operates continuously to improve washing performance, then laundry is thoroughly wetted and detergent is evenly distributed, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation pump operates intermittently rather than continuously, with operation periods alternating with standby periods. The control unit activates the pump at specific intervals during the washing cycle, achieving effective detergent distribution and laundry wetting while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
2Loss of substance
If the valve remains closed to prevent water loss, then water is retained in the tub for washing, but heat loss increases when recirculation is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The valve dynamically changes its state based on the operational requirements of the recirculation pump. During pump operation, the valve opens to allow water flow for recirculation, and during standby periods, the valve closes to retain water and minimize heat loss. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both water retention and heat conservation throughout the washing cycle.
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 approach enhances washing performance by ensuring laundry is thoroughly wetted and detergent is evenly distributed, while reducing energy consumption by limiting recirculation pump operation to less than 35% of the cycle duration and minimizing heat loss, resulting in an efficient and economic washing operation.
Implementation Method 1
the valve is actuated by the operation of the recirculation pump, for example due to a pressure difference of the water between the tub and the inlet of the recirculation circuit below the valve generated by the (operating) recirculation pump
Implementation Method 2
for example by a closure element which is floating in or on the water and which is pressed against a valve seat when the water level in the draining circuit and/or tub rises during a water supply phase
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
Washing machine (1) and method for operating a washing machine, wherein the washing machine comprises a tub (2), a draining circuit (16), wherein the draining circuit (16) is fluidly connected to a lower portion of the tub (2), a valve (26) arranged between the tub (2) and the draining circuit (16), a recirculation circuit (10) fluidly connected to the tub (2), wherein an inlet (14) of the recirculation circuit (10) is positioned downstream a valve seat (22) of the valve (26), and wherein the recirculation circuit comprises a recirculation pump (12) for re-circulating fluid from the lower portion of the tub into the tub, and a control unit adapted to control the washing machine to perform at least one washing cycle, wherein the valve (26) is adapted to be opened when the recirculation pump (12) is operated and is adapted to be closed when the recirculation pump (12) is not operated, and wherein the control unit is adapted to operate the recirculation pump (12) intermittently during the at least one washing cycle.