Washing Machine Spray Circulation for Uniform Detergent Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines have limitations in evenly distributing detergent to laundry, particularly failing to penetrate detergent to upper loads, and require extended soaking times, which increases overall washing time and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design featuring a circulation pipe system with a spray mechanism that directs water from the outer tub through a guide pipe and multiple nozzles along the circumference of the outer tub cover, ensuring even distribution of detergent to all laundry levels by spraying water into the inner tub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If water is continuously supplied through the dispenser to submerge laundry, then detergent penetration to upper laundry is improved, but washing time is extended due to required soaking process
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pipe is divided into multiple segments with separate nozzles positioned at different heights and locations. This segmentation allows detergent water to be delivered to multiple zones simultaneously, achieving uniform distribution without requiring prolonged soaking time.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray mechanism transitions from single-point discharge to multi-point spatial distribution. Nozzles are positioned at different heights, angles, and radial distances to create three-dimensional coverage, enabling detergent penetration to upper laundry layers without extending washing time.
2Device complexity
If a single circulation pipe is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detergent distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system is segmented into multiple pipes with nozzles distributed at different positions. This segmentation enables precise control over detergent water delivery to various locations, achieving uniform distribution while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different nozzles are positioned with specific local characteristics - varying heights, angles, and orientations tailored to their respective positions. This local optimization ensures that each nozzle delivers detergent water effectively to its target zone, achieving overall uniform distribution.
3Manufacturing precision
If water level is raised to submerge laundry, then detergent penetration to upper laundry is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of vertically submerging laundry by raising water level, the system uses multi-dimensional nozzle positioning to deliver detergent water directly to upper laundry layers. This spatial distribution approach achieves effective penetration without the energy cost of maintaining high water levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation pump and nozzle system utilizes hydraulic pressure to project detergent water onto laundry at various heights. This pressurized spray mechanism achieves effective detergent distribution without requiring gravitational submersion, reducing energy consumption associated with maintaining high water levels.
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 design allows for uniform detergent application to both upper and lower laundry loads, reducing washing time and energy consumption by eliminating the need for prolonged soaking processes.
Implementation Method 1
a pump which transfers water along the circulation pipe
Implementation Method 2
a spray mechanism which is provided in the outer tub cover and sprays the water guided through the circulation pipe into the inner tub
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine includes an outer tub which contains water and has an upper side opened; an inner tub; an outer tub cover which is provided in an upper side of the outer tub and has an opening that is formed so that laundry is loaded into the inner tub; a circulation pipe which guides water discharged from the outer tub; a pump which transfers water along the circulation pipe; and a spray mechanism which is provided in the outer tub cover and sprays the water guided through the circulation pipe into the inner tub, wherein the spray mechanism includes: a guide pipe which forms a guide flow path for guiding the water supplied from the circulation pipe along a circumference of the opening; and a plurality of nozzles which are disposed along the guide flow path and spray the water supplied through the guide pipe into the inner tub.