Washing Machine Water Circulation with Flocculation Dosage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current washing machines consume excessive water resources due to inefficient water recycling and treatment, with existing water purification systems causing secondary pollution and operational inefficiencies in flocculation processes.
Innovation Solution
A control method for processing washing machine water circulation by detecting water levels and calculating the precise dose of flocculant needed, incorporating a flocculation container with a stirring and cleaning mechanism to ensure effective flocculation and water reuse, and a filter container for recycling treated water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If more water is used for rinsing clothes, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers rinse water from the washing machine drum and redirects it to the water storage tank for subsequent rinsing cycles. The pump system transfers water from the drum through a filter to the storage tank, enabling multiple uses of the same water volume and significantly reducing fresh water intake requirements while maintaining adequate rinsing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The water storage tank serves multiple functions: storing pre-treated rinse water for future cycles, receiving water pumped from the drum, and providing a reservoir that can be selectively activated based on rinsing needs. This multi-functional design allows the system to adapt water usage to actual cleaning requirements rather than following fixed consumption patterns
2Loss of substance
If a water storage tank and pump system are added to enable water recycling, then water saving is improved, but device structure becomes complicated and large
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage tank is positioned to utilize the existing space between the washing machine drum and the outer cabinet structure. By merging the storage function with available structural void space rather than adding a completely separate external tank, the system achieves water recycling capability while minimizing increases in overall device footprint and structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system acts as an intermediary component that connects the drum and storage tank without requiring complex mechanical linkages or control systems. The pump provides a simple, direct water transfer mechanism that enables recycling functionality while maintaining relatively simple device architecture compared to alternative recycling approaches
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
Accurately calculates flocculant dosage for efficient flocculation, prevents secondary pollution, and maximizes water recycling, reducing overall water consumption and improving the effectiveness of the washing process.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a water level in the flocculation container after the flocculation treatment is completed
Implementation Method 2
separate water from sewage water by making sewage into floc
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling water circulation and processing in a washing machine and a washing machine, the washing machine comprising a washing machine main body (1) and a water circulation and processing system (2).The water circulation and processing system (2) comprises a flocculation container (5) for flocculating the drained water from the washing machine main body (1),the flocculation container (5) being provided with a water level detection apparatus (4). After water is used by the washing machine for washing laundry, the water circulation and processing system (2) subjects the water to flocculation and then circulates same for re-use, and, according to the amount of detergent dosed, the amount of water intake for washing, and the amount of water processed in each flocculation, calculates the dose of flocculant needed for the water to be processed by the flocculation process this time. The dose of flocculant can be precisely calculated by measuring and calculating the amount of water intake for washing and the amount of water to be processed for each flocculation so as to ensure flocculation effects. Furthermore, by calculating the height of flocculation product after layer separation by means of the flocculant dose, using a water level measurement can entirely separate a clean water layer, such that more water joins the circulation for use, saving more water, and enabling flocculated matter to be prevented from mixing with the circulating clean water, improving flocculation efficiency.