Washing machine with a filter device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine filter devices require cumbersome steps for maintenance, leading to water leakage and inefficient access, especially when cleaning the filter, which can result in puddles and increased user effort.
Innovation Solution
A filter device with a watertight housing and a screen element positioned between the water inlet and outlet, allowing easy access and removal for cleaning, featuring a closing element with a thread and sealing mechanism to prevent leaks, and an optional sensor system for detecting foreign bodies and contamination levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter device is arranged in a lower part of the washing machine near the bottom, then the filter device can effectively filter water, but the user must kneel and perform multiple steps to access and clean the filter, resulting in water leakage and puddles
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is repositioned from a horizontal arrangement at the bottom to a vertical arrangement at the front, utilizing the vertical dimension for easy access while maintaining filtering functionality through the screen element positioned between water inlet and outlet
2Reliability
If the filter device is positioned at the bottom of the washing machine, then water filtration is effective, but multiple steps including opening flaps, draining water, and providing drip trays are required for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is segmented into a housing and a removable screen element, allowing the screen to be independently accessed and cleaned without requiring disassembly of the entire filter assembly or additional drainage steps
Solution Approach 2:
The filter device incorporates a self-draining mechanism where water automatically drains from the housing through a drain hole into the sump, eliminating the need for manual water draining or external drip trays during maintenance
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the housing is made watertight between water inlet and outlet, then water leakage is prevented, but the filter device becomes more complex with sealing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sealing ring is used at the opening of the housing to create a watertight seal when the closing element is engaged, preventing water leakage while maintaining a relatively simple sealing mechanism
4Reliability
If the screen element is positioned between water inlet and outlet, then water is effectively filtered, but the filter device requires a more complex internal structure
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is divided into a housing and a removable screen element, allowing the screening function to be isolated to a simple, easily replaceable component rather than a complex integrated structure
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 solution provides a compact, waterproof filter device with improved accessibility and maintenance efficiency, reducing water leakage and enabling real-time monitoring of contamination, thus preventing damage to the washing machine components.
Implementation Method 1
a filter device (18) with a housing (30) and a filter device (32) for filtering water
Implementation Method 2
a sealing element, in particular a sealing ring (52), which is arranged between the closing element (44) and the housing (30)
Implementation Method 3
The sensor device (38) has an optical and/or a magnetic sensor
Implementation Method 4
The sensor device (38) has an optical and/or a magnetic sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A filter device (18) for a washing machine (10), wherein the filter device (18) comprises a housing (30) and a filter assembly (32) for filtering water, the housing (30) having a water inlet (34) and a water outlet (36), the filter assembly (32) for filtering the water in the housing (30) being arranged at least partially between the water inlet (34) and the water outlet (36), and the housing (30) being watertight at least between the water inlet (34) and the water outlet (36). A washing machine (10) with a filter device (18) is further disclosed.