Multi-Channel Washing Machine Valve With Inserted Flow Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-way valves for washing machines are costly, occupy significant space, and pose manufacturing challenges due to complex and expensive riser molding techniques, which affect the reliability and robustness of the tooling and the tightness of water flow passages.
Innovation Solution
A multi-way valve design featuring inserts within the water flow channeling walls to create water flow passages, allowing for reduced size, lower production costs, and improved manufacturing simplicity while ensuring tightness between chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If water flow passages are made directly inside the water flow channel walls using riser molding, then the multi-way valve can be produced as a single molded part, but the manufacturing cost increases and the mold becomes weaker and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-way valve into two separate parts: the body (housing) and the insert (core). The insert contains the water flow passages and is inserted into the body after molding. This segmentation allows the body to be molded using simple, robust molds without requiring complex riser molding techniques, while still achieving the desired water flow passage configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert acts as an intermediary element that provides the water flow passages without requiring them to be formed directly in the main mold. The insert is a separate component that can be precisely manufactured and then integrated into the body, serving as a mediator between the molding process and the final valve structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple riser devices are used to create water flow passages in different directions, then the desired flow paths can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water flow passage creation function into the insert component. Instead of using multiple riser devices in the mold, the insert is designed with pre-formed channels that provide water flow passages in multiple directions. This single insert replaces what would otherwise require multiple complex riser structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the water flow passage creation from the molding dimension (requiring complex 3D riser structures in the mold) to the assembly dimension. The insert is a separate component that can be designed and manufactured independently with complex internal passages, then integrated into the body, effectively adding complexity in a different dimension rather than in the molding process itself.
3Ease of manufacture
If water flow passages are provided directly inside the water flow channel walls, then the valve structure is integrated, but guaranteeing tightness between chambers becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve into body and insert components, with the insert containing the water flow passages. This segmentation creates a natural interface where seals can be effectively positioned. The insert can be precisely manufactured with tight tolerances for the passages, while the body provides the external structure, and their assembly allows for reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert serves as an intermediary that carries the water flow passages and can be sealed against the body. This intermediary component allows for dedicated sealing surfaces and sealing elements to be positioned at the interface between the insert and body, ensuring tightness between chambers while maintaining an integrated valve structure.
4Ease of operation
If several separate valves are used to connect water circulation lines, then water flow control is achieved, but the occupied space increases and reduces water tank storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate valves into a single integrated multi-way valve. The body and insert assembly provides multiple water flow control functions (multiple passages, multiple directions, multiple sealing points) that would otherwise require several separate valve components. This merging significantly reduces the total volume occupied by the valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-way valve is designed as a universal component that performs multiple water flow control functions simultaneously. The insert with its complex internal passages and the body together provide multiple flow paths, sealing surfaces, and control capabilities in a single component assembly, making the valve multi-functional and space-efficient.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-way valve (14) comprises: a body (34), said body (34) comprising water flow channel walls (15) so as to form chambers within said body (34); water passage openings so as to permit water to flow from the outside to the inside of said valve (14), and vice versa; water flow passages (39, 40a, 40b) provided within said body (34) so as to permit water to flow between said chambers of said body (34); and flaps closing or opening said water flow passages (39, 40a, 40b) so as to direct water flows within said body (34). At least one of the water flow channel walls (15) of the body (34) includes an opening (16) within which an insert (17) is disposed, where said at least one insert (17) has one of the water flow passages (39, 40a, 40b). Particularly suitable for use in a washing machine.