Laundry washing machine comprising a water softening device and a local electronic control unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of a water softening device in laundry washing machines complicates the electric circuit, increasing complexity and potential issues.
Innovation Solution
A laundry washing machine design that includes a brine reservoir, a pump assembly for regenerating water softening agents, and a water distributor module with electronic control, simplifying the electric circuit and improving water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a water softening device is integrated into the laundry washing machine, then water softening capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A local electronic control unit is introduced as an intermediary component to manage the water softening device. This control unit is integrated into the water distributor module and handles control signals locally, reducing the burden on the main control unit and simplifying the overall electric circuit architecture while maintaining water softening functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into two parts: a main control unit for overall machine control and a local electronic control unit specifically for the water softening device. This segmentation allows the water softening function to be managed independently, reducing complexity in the main control circuit while preserving the water softening capability.
2Reliability
If ion-exchange resins are used for water softening, then water hardness reduction is improved, but maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water softening device incorporates a self-regeneration system using ion-exchange resins that automatically regenerate when salt is added to the water reservoir. The system uses the main water supply to circulate brine through the resins, restoring their softening capability without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces maintenance complexity while maintaining effective water hardness reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers the regenerating capability of ion-exchange resins by periodically flushing them with brine solution. Instead of discarding exhausted resins, the system regenerates them in-place using salt and water from the machine's own supply, thereby maintaining water softening function with minimal maintenance effort.
3Productivity
If salt water is used for regenerating ion-exchange resins, then resin regeneration efficiency is improved, but water management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water management functions are merged into a single integrated water distributor module that handles both fresh water distribution and brine circulation. The local electronic control unit within this module coordinates salt dissolution, brine generation, and resin regeneration processes, simplifying water management while maintaining high resin regeneration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The water distributor module serves multiple functions: distributing fresh water to the drum, dissolving salt to create brine, circulating brine through ion-exchange resins for regeneration, and managing the water reservoir. This multi-functionality consolidates water management tasks into a single system, reducing overall complexity while ensuring efficient resin regeneration.
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
Simplifies the electric circuit, enhances water softening capabilities, and improves the efficiency of the regeneration process for ion-exchange resins, reducing maintenance and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the water softening device is internally provided with a given amount of ion-exchange resins which are capable of retaining the calcium and magnesium ions (Ca++ and Mg++) dissolved in the water flowing through the same water softening device
Implementation Method 2
a pump assembly capable of selectively moving the brine from said brine reservoir to said water softening device for regenerating the water softening properties of said water softening agent
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry washing machine having a washing tub, a rotatable drum, a detergent dispenser, a fresh-water supply circuit, a water softening device, a brine reservoir, and a pump assembly to move the brine from the brine reservoir to the water softening device for regenerating the same. The machine also has a water distributor module having: a manifold body having a water inlet and a number of water outlets; an electrically-operated, internal water channelling means are at least partially located inside the manifold body and are structured to selectively put the water inlet of the manifold body in fluid communication with any one of the water outlets of the same manifold body; and a local electronic control unit which is accommodated in a corresponding seat formed on the manifold body and moreover powers and/or controls both the pump assembly and the electrically-operated, internal water channeling means.