Washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
In washing machines, some powder detergent remains undissolved in mixing water due to limited solubility, as the circulation of water between the tub and drum is unidirectional, preventing complete dissolution.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design that includes a detergent dissolution device generating vortex currents in the mixing water, combined with a circulation pump for controlled supply and discharge, to improve solubility by increasing the time the water spends in the detergent dissolution device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mixing water is circulated between the tub and drum through a circulation path, then powder detergent solubility is improved, but the circulation is limited to one direction which restricts dissolution effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by enabling bidirectional circulation of mixing water between the tub and drum, reversing the conventional unidirectional flow. The circulation pump can operate in reverse to change the flow direction, allowing mixing water to circulate in both directions through the circulation path, thereby improving detergent dissolution effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the circulation system adjustable and adaptable. The circulation pump's rotation direction can be dynamically changed based on operational requirements, transforming a static unidirectional circulation system into a dynamic bidirectional system that can adapt to different washing conditions
2Manufacturing precision
If the circulation pump continuously supplies mixing water through the detergent dissolution device, then detergent solubility improves, but the mixing water may overflow from the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the circulation pump to operate in intermittent cycles rather than continuously. The control unit alternates between supplying mixing water to the detergent dissolution device and discharging it, creating periodic on/off cycles that prevent overflow while maintaining effective detergent dissolution over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the control unit monitors the circulation process and adjusts the pump operation accordingly. Based on the state of the system, the control unit determines when to supply mixing water and when to discharge it, creating a self-regulating mechanism that prevents overflow while ensuring complete detergent dissolution
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 vortex current enhances the solubility of powder detergent in the mixing water, ensuring more complete dissolution and improved washing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a detergent dissolution device generating vortex current in mixing water circulated through the circulation hose to improve solubility of the powder detergent
Implementation Method 2
a circulation pump arranged in the circulation hose and configured to repeatedly supply and discharge mixing water to and from the detergent dissolution device through on/off controlling
Implementation Method 3
When the circulation pump is controlled to be off, mixing water supplied into the detergent dissolution device may be discharged by gravity toward the circulation pump from the detergent dissolution device
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a washing machine capable of improving solubility of a powder detergent that remains without having been dissolved in mixing water contained in a tub. The washing machine includes a cabinet having a detergent supplier, a tub arranged in the cabinet to be connected to the detergent supplier and containing mixing water in which washing water supplied to the detergent supplier and a powder detergent are mixed, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a circulation hose connecting between the tub and the drum for the mixing water contained in a lower portion of the tub to be circulated, a detergent dissolution device generating vortex current in mixing water circulated through the circulation hose to improve solubility of the powder detergent, and a circulation pump arranged in the circulation hose and configured to repeatedly supply and discharge mixing water to and from the detergent dissolution device through on/off controlling.