A washing machine comprising a filtering member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional washing machines discharge significant amounts of fibers into waste water, contributing to environmental pollution, and their filters clog quickly due to fiber accumulation, necessitating frequent cleaning or replacement.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine with a filtering member featuring a sponge-like additional filter positioned at a distance from the water inlet, inclined in the receptacle, and supported by a frame, which retains fibers effectively while allowing water flow, using a porous material with varying pore sizes and antimicrobial properties to prevent clogging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mesh filter is used to filter washing water, then filtration performance is improved, but the filter surface gets clogged quickly due to fiber accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration performanceVSAvoidfilter service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system is divided into two distinct components: a mesh filter for initial filtration and a sponge filter for secondary fiber capture. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the sponge filter collecting fibers that would otherwise clog the mesh filter, thereby extending the mesh filter's service life while maintaining filtration performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sponge filter acts as an intermediary component between the washing water and the mesh filter. It captures floating fibers in the water before they reach the mesh filter surface, preventing direct accumulation on the mesh filter and reducing clogging frequency while maintaining effective filtration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a filter is positioned close to the water inlet for effective filtration, then filtration efficiency is improved, but fiber accumulation in front of the inlet increases causing clogging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidfiber accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sponge filter is positioned at a specific location within the filter housing, away from the water inlet, creating different functional zones. The area near the inlet remains clear for efficient water intake, while the sponge filter in the downstream area captures fibers, thus maintaining filtration efficiency without blocking the inlet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of placing the filter material directly at the inlet (one-dimensional blocking), the sponge filter is positioned in the water flow path downstream from the inlet, utilizing the three-dimensional space within the filter housing. This dimensional arrangement allows water to flow freely into the filter while fibers are captured in the sponge material downstream.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 increases filtration performance and extends the economic life of the filter by reducing fiber accumulation on the mesh filter, enhancing the retention of larger fibers and preventing microbial contamination.

Implementation Method 1

at least one additional filter which is disposed in the receptacle at a distance from the water inlet for retaining fibers floating in the receptacle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

the additional filter having a sponge structure which is porous and manufactured from an open-pore material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Data Source

PatentEP4225988B1A washing machine comprising a filtering member
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 ARCELIK AS
  • EP4225988B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4225988B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4225988B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a washing tub (2) wherein the washing process is performed; a delivery line (3) through which the water taken from the washing tub (2) is carried; and a filtering member (8) having a receptacle (7) whereon at least one water inlet (4) through which the water coming from the delivery line (3) is taken and a water outlet (5) for discharging the water are arranged, and at least one mesh filter (6) which enables the water taken from the water inlet (4) to be passed therethrough and filtered.