Washing machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines lack an effective mechanism to utilize ultrasonic energy for enhancing washing efficiency, particularly in removing foreign materials and microorganisms from fabrics, as they rely on insufficient mechanical power from volume oscillation of bubbles.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine design that incorporates an ultrasound generator to emit ultrasonic waves, creating chaotic oscillation of bubbles in washing water by controlling displacement amplitude and frequency, thereby increasing acoustic pressure to facilitate effective cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional washing machines use volume oscillation of bubbles for washing, then the washing mechanism is simple, but the washing efficiency is insufficient and cannot effectively remove foreign materials and microorganisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidwashing mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical volume oscillation system with an ultrasonic wave generation system. The ultrasonic generator produces high-frequency vibrations that create chaotic oscillation of bubbles through acoustic radiation pressure, fundamentally changing the washing mechanism from simple volume oscillation to complex ultrasonic-driven bubble dynamics, thereby significantly improving washing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of bubble oscillation from conventional low-frequency volume oscillation to high-frequency ultrasonic oscillation (20 kHz or higher). This parameter change transforms the washing mechanism, enabling chaotic oscillation of bubbles that effectively removes foreign materials and microorganisms while maintaining controlled system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If ultrasonic waves are applied to generate chaotic oscillation of bubbles, then cleaning performance is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidultrasonic energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic ultrasonic wave generation at specific frequencies (20 kHz or higher) to create chaotic oscillation of bubbles. The periodic nature of ultrasonic waves allows for controlled energy input that maximizes cleaning performance while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption, as the waves repeatedly collapse and reform bubbles in a rhythm that enhances cleaning efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions of water through ultrasonic cavitation, where ultrasonic energy causes water to undergo rapid heating and vaporization during bubble collapse. This phase transition mechanism concentrates energy at specific moments and locations, improving cleaning performance while the overall energy consumption remains controlled through efficient ultrasonic wave propagation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Productivity

If displacement amplitude of ultrasonic waves is increased to 4.5-22.5 μm for chaotic oscillation, then bubble oscillation effectiveness is improved, but acoustic pressure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebubble oscillation effectivenessVSAvoidacoustic pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the displacement amplitude parameter of ultrasonic waves to a specific range (4.5-22.5 μm) that efficiently generates chaotic oscillation of bubbles. By carefully controlling this parameter, the system achieves effective bubble oscillation while managing acoustic pressure requirements, as the amplitude is sufficient to create chaotic motion but not excessive to create unmanageable pressure demands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 washing machine achieves improved cleaning performance by generating chaotic oscillation of bubbles, effectively removing tough stains and microorganisms, such as Carbon Black, with reduced washing time while maintaining or exceeding conventional washing performance.

Implementation Method 1

Ultrasonic Cavitation is a phenomenon in which when ultrasonic waves greatly accelerate medium particles, cavitation nuclei existing in fluid are collected, grown, developed, and finally squeezed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic cavitation: Acoustic Cavitation

Implementation Method 2

Acoustic radiation pressure among the characteristic factors of ultrasonic energy oscillates a medium together with ultrasonic oscillation when acoustic intensity exceeds an amplitude of a specific threshold value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic radiation pressure: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Implementation Method 3

the ultrasound generator applies ultrasonic energy to the washing water to cause chaotic oscillation of the bubbles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS10480111B2Washing machine

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A washing machine includes a tub; a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub; and an ultrasound generator configured to emit ultrasonic waves to washing water loaded in the drum, and to generate bubbles. The ultrasound generator applies ultrasonic energy to the washing water to cause chaotic oscillation of the bubbles.