Water-storage container for washing machine or wash-dryer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water reservoirs for washing machines are not reliably functional and can contaminate the water supply network, failing to provide a consistent water supply for balancing and other functions.
Innovation Solution
A water reservoir connected to the water supply network with a braking cylinder that slows down water flow and an air collection chamber to prevent air from entering the hydraulic balancing system, preventing contamination and ensuring a steady water supply, and featuring an overflow channel to discharge excess air and water safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If water is supplied directly to the reservoir without a braking mechanism, then the water supply speed is high, but the water flow causes air to be drawn into the hydraulic system and may contaminate the water supply network
Solution Approach 1:
A braking cylinder is introduced as an intermediary component between the water supply network and the reservoir. This braking cylinder slows down the water flow from high speed to a controlled speed, preventing air suction while maintaining reliable water supply. The braking cylinder acts as a mediator that decouples the high-speed supply from the reservoir filling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic principles through the braking cylinder to control water flow. The cylinder creates a controlled hydraulic environment where water is decelerated before entering the reservoir, preventing the formation of vacuum conditions that would cause air to be drawn into the system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the reservoir is equipped with an overflow channel to prevent backflow, then contamination of the water supply network is prevented, but air may be trapped in the hydraulic balancing system
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is segmented into distinct functional zones: a braking cylinder zone for flow control, a reservoir zone for water storage, and an air collection chamber zone for air separation. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function - the braking cylinder prevents backflow contamination while the air collection chamber captures and vents air, solving both problems simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
An air collection chamber is introduced as an intermediary space between the water storage and the hydraulic balancing system. This chamber acts as a buffer that captures air bubbles from the water before it enters the hydraulic system, preventing air entrapment while allowing the overflow channel to function for contamination prevention.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the reservoir volume is increased to ensure sufficient water supply, then the water supply duration is extended, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The braking cylinder serves multiple functions: it acts as a flow control mechanism to slow water entry, functions as a structural component of the reservoir assembly, and helps define the reservoir's internal geometry. By making this component multi-functional, the design extends water supply duration without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The air collection chamber is nested within or integrated with the reservoir structure, and the braking cylinder is integrated as part of the reservoir assembly. This nesting approach allows the reservoir to provide extended water supply duration while minimizing the increase in external dimensions and overall structural complexity.
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
Ensures trouble-free water supply to the hydraulic balancing system, prevents contamination of the water supply network, and avoids the siphon effect and backflow, allowing for efficient use in balancing and additional functions like door flushing and steam generation.
Implementation Method 1
the inlet nozzle (8, 9) of the water storage tank (7), which is connected to a water supply network via a free flow path, is fed into a braking cylinder (15, 19), which is closed towards its ceiling and open at a distance from its bottom, is designed to brake the supplied water
Implementation Method 2
the water reservoir is expanded in the area of its ceiling by an air collection chamber (14), to which an overflow channel (16, 20) leading to the outside for discharging air and a certain liquid level exceeding water is connected
Implementation Method 3
an overflow channel (16, 20) leading to the outside for discharging air and a certain liquid level exceeding water is connected
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a water reservoir for a washing machine or washer-dryer, which is connected to a water supply network via a free flow section and an inlet connection (8) and to a water-consuming device, in particular to a hydraulic balancing system, via a suction connection (6) and a pump integrated into a supply line , connected. According to the invention, the inlet connection opens into a braking cylinder (15) which is closed towards the top (13) of the water storage tank (7) and is open at a distance from its bottom (11), is arranged essentially vertically and is intended for braking the supplied water, with an axial or tangential spiral-shaped water flow. The water reservoir is extended in the area of its ceiling (13) by an air collection chamber (14) to which an overflow channel (16) leading to the outside is connected for discharging air and water exceeding a certain liquid level. The water reservoir designed in this way ensures trouble-free and reliable filling and water withdrawal.