360-Degree Washing Machine Sprinkler For Uniform Detergent Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machines face issues with detergent utilization, foam residue, and inefficient washing times due to limited sprinkling effects, which affect cleaning efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A sprinkling device with a water circulating member, a tapered water guide surface, and equidistantly positioned shunting members that form a 360-degree sheet water flow, enhancing detergent dissolution and washing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional sprinkling device is used, then the structure is simple, but the sprinkling effect is limited and cannot achieve uniform 360-degree coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesprinkling uniformityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sprinkling device is segmented into multiple functional components: a water circulating member with internal passages, a water guide member with tapered surface, and multiple shunting members positioned equidistantly along the circumference. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (water distribution, guidance, and directional control) to achieve uniform 360-degree sprinkling coverage while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from conventional single-direction or limited-angle sprinkling to three-dimensional 360-degree coverage by arranging shunting members equidistantly along the circumferential direction of the water guide member. The tapered water guide surface directs water flow in multiple radial directions simultaneously, creating comprehensive spatial coverage that eliminates dead zones and achieves uniform distribution across all surfaces including door body, door seal, and clothes

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

2Area of stationary object

If water is sprayed in the form of a water column, then the spray area is limited, but the water consumption is higher

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray areaVSAvoidwater consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by designing a water circulating member with internal water circulating passages that distribute water to multiple shunting members. The tapered water guide surface converts water flow from vertical columnar discharge into radial sheet-like flow patterns, leveraging fluid dynamics to expand water coverage area while maintaining efficient water utilization through the integrated circulating passage system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Loss of energy

If foam residue remains on door seal and door body, then detergent utilization rate decreases, but washing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetergent utilization rateVSAvoidwashing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sprinkling device performs preliminary washing action during the washing cycle by continuously circulating water through the door seal and door body surfaces. The uniform 360-degree sprinkling pattern ensures that foam residue is flushed away from detergent dissolution areas before it can interfere with subsequent washing operations, maintaining high detergent utilization rates and preventing the need for extended washing times to compensate for poor detergent efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 device improves detergent utilization, reduces washing time, and enhances washing effectiveness by ensuring uniform sprinkling, reducing foam residue, and simultaneous washing of the door body, door seal, and clothes.

Implementation Method 1

a water guide member, disposed below the water circulating member, and having a tapered water guide surface opposite the water outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow guidance:

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of shunting members connected equidistantly along a circumferential direction of the tapered water guide surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid distribution:

Data Source

PatentEP3187649B1Washing machine sprayer apparatus and drum washing machine having the same
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 WUXI LITTLE SWAN ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3187649B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3187649B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3187649B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sprinkling device (1) for a washing machine and a front-loading washing machine having the same are disclosed. The sprinkling device (1) includes: a water circulating member (10), internally provided with a water circulating passage, wherein an upper end face of the water circulating member is provided with a water inlet (11) in communication with the water circulating passage, and a lower end face thereof is provided with a water outlet (12) in communication with the water circulating passage; a water guide member (20), disposed below the water circulating member (10), and having a tapered water guide surface (21) opposite the water outlet (12); and a plurality of shunting members (30), wherein lower ends of the plurality of shunting members (30) are connected to the tapered water guide surface (21) equidistantly along a circumferential direction of the tapered water guide surface (21) and located between an apex and an outer circumference of the tapered water guide surface (21); upper ends of the plurality of shunting members (30) are connected with the water circulating member (10) respectively.