Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present disclosure generally relates to washing machines and more particularly to a washing machine with venture-based drumlets for bubble generation and for agitating water inside a tub of the washing machine.

BACKGROUND

[002] Generally, a washing machine comprises a tub which seals in water for washing and a drum is rotatably disposed within the tub, and the drum containing the laundry is rotated inside the tub, by means of an electric motor, for performing washing of the laundry. Advanced washing machines including automatic and semi-automatic washing machines come in various sensors, configurations, spin cycles, etc., for enhancing the efficiency of washing of the laundry.

[003] As is well known, in front load washing machines, the tub contains the wash water, the laundry is added to the drum and the drum rotates during the wash cycle to clean the laundry. During this process, some amount of detergent also settles down in the bottom of the tub. Hence the conventional washing machines often fail to fully utilize the detergent, resulting in less efficient performance. Inadequate foam generation leads to longer washing times and higher detergent consumption. These limitations hinder the overall efficiency of the washing process.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simple manner that is further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the subject matter nor is it intended for determining the scope of the disclosure.

[005] To overcome at least one of the problems mentioned above, there exists a need for a washing machine with venturi-based drumlets for generating turbulence and bubbles, and hence for agitating the water inside the tub of the washing machine and hence for enhancing the washing efficiency.

[006] The present disclosure discloses a washing machine with venturi-based drumlets for agitating the water inside the tub and hence for enhancing the efficiency of washing. The washing machine comprises a tub, and a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub, characterized in that the drum comprises one or more venturi-based drumlets attached to an outer surface of the drum, wherein the one or more venturi-based drumlets (115) are configured for agitating water inside the tub during a rotation of the drum (110). Further, each of the one or more venturi-based drumlets comprises one or more venturi tubes for generating bubbles inside the washing machine when the drum rotates. Furthermore, each of the one or more venturi-based drumlets comprises one or more protrusions for agitating the water inside the tub.

[007] To further clarify advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[008] The disclosed method and system will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

[009] Figure 1 shows an exemplary washing machine with venturi-based drumlets in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2A & 2B shows an exemplary venturi-based drumlet with one or more protrusions in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 shows an arrangement of the venturi-based drumlet in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 4 shows a venturi tube and the formation of bubbles inside the washing machine;

[0013] Figure 5A shows a concave shaped protrusion in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0014] Figure 5B shows a plate shaped protrusion in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Further, persons skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the joining ring and one or more components of the bearing assembly may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications to the disclosure, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as described herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates are deemed to be a part of this disclosure.

[0017] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0018] In the present disclosure, relational terms such as first and second, and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity from the other, without necessarily implying any actual relationship or order between such entities.

[0019] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or a method. Similarly, one or more elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements, other structures, other components, additional devices, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The components, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a washing machine with venturi-based drumlets for agitating water and for generating bubbles inside the tub of the washing machine during washing. In one embodiment, one or more venturi-based drumlets are attached to the outer surface of the drum and the one or more venturi-based drumlets agitates the water inside the tub when the drum rotates during the wash cycle.

[0023] Figure 1 shows an exemplary washing machine with venturi-based drumlets in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the washing machine 100 comprises a tub 105, a drum 110 rotatably disposed inside the tub 105, and one or more venturi-based drumlets 115-1 and 115-2. It is to be noted that only two venturi-based drumlets are shown in Figure 1. However, one, two or more than two venturi-based drumlets may be attached to the drum 110 of the washing machine 100. In a preferred embodiment, three venturi-based drumlets are used with the washing machine. In the present disclosure, venturi-based drumlets 115-1 and 115-2 are referred to as venturi-based drumlets 115. It is to be noted that the washing machine includes other parts such as motors, input/output devices, controllers, power circuits, etc., however, only the essential parts are shown and described for the sake of simplicity and understanding.

[0024] The tub 105 is an outer container that holds the drum 110. The tub 105 is typically made of durable materials such as stainless steel or plastic. The tub 105 holds the wash water and houses the drum 110 inside. The tub 105 is designed to prevent water leakage and maintain the stability of the machine during operation.

[0025] The drum 110 is the cylindrical container inside the washing machine 100 where the clothes are placed for washing. The drum 110 is rotatably disposed inside the tub 105 and driven using a motor. The drum 110 rotates during the washing cycle to agitate and clean the laundry. The drum 110 is typically made of stainless steel or durable plastic and comprises holes or perforations to allow water to enter and drain out. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more venturi-based drumlets 115 are attached to the outer surface of the drum 100. When the drum 110 rotates during the washing, the venturi-based drumlets 115 agitates the water inside the tub 105 and mixes the water and the detergent to generate the foam. In addition, the venturi-based drumlets 115 also generates bubbles during the rotation of the drum 110 thus enhancing the mixing.

[0026] Figure 2A & 2B shows an exemplary venturi-based drumlet with one or more protrusions in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the venturi-based drumlet 115 comprises one or more venturi tubes 205-1 and 205-2 (herein after referred to as venturi tube(s) 205) on the top surface and the bottom surface of the venturi-based drumlet 115 is substantially flat to attach the venturi-based drumlet 115 on the outer surface of the drum 110. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the venturi-based drumlet 115 further comprises one or more one or more protrusions 210-1, 210-2, 210-3 and 210-4 (hereafter referred to as protrusion(s) 210) for agitating the water inside the tub 105, when the drum 110 rotates during washing. It is to be noted that the shape and the size of the one or more protrusions may be universal for all types of washing machines or may be designed based on the type of the washing machine, for example the capacity of the washing machine.

[0027] Referring to Figure 2B, each of one or more venturi tubes 205-1 and 205-2 comprises a convergent section 220, a divergent section 225, and an air inlet 230 connected to a throat 235, wherein the air inlet 230 extends inwards through the drum 110 and draws air from the inside of the drum 110 when the drum 110 rotates. Figure 3 shows an arrangement of the venturi-based drumlet in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the venturi-based drumlet 115 is attached to the outer surface of the drum 110 using one or more screws (not shown). Alternatively, the venturi-based drumlet 115 may be attached using any other known mechanisms. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more venturi-based drumlets 115 are attached to be in line with one or more baffles 310 of the drum 110 of the washing machine 100. As shown, the venturi-based drumlet 115 is aligned with the baffle 310 and the air inlet 230 extends inwards through the drum 110 such that the mouth of the air inlet will be inside the inner space of the baffle 310. When the drum 110 rotates, the air inlet 230 draws air from the inside of the drum 110 and mixes with the water to generate the bubbles inside the tub 105 of the washing machine 100. Figure 4 shows a venturi tube and the formation of bubbles inside the washing machine. Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, when the drum 110 rotates in anti-clockwise direction (that is, during the anti-clockwise rotation), the water inside the tub 105 enter an opening 315 of the venturi tube 205, the air inlet 230 draws air from the inside of the drum 110, the air and the water mixes in the throat 235 of the venturi tube 205, and the mixture exits through an opening 320 of the venturi tube 205 thereby producing bubbles inside the washing machine 100. Due to the pressure difference between the convergent section 220 and the divergent section 225 the throat 235 draws air from the drum 110 through the air inlet 230, and the air and the water gets mixed to form the bubbles. During the rotation of the drum 110, the venturi tubes 205 creates turbulence inside the tub 105 and forms bubbles inside the tub of the washing machine. The dotted arrows in Figure 4 shows entry of water and exit of the water and air mixture. Similarly, when the drum 110 rotates in clockwise direction, the water inside the tub 105 enter the opening 320 of the venturi tube 205, the air inlet 230 draws air from the inside of the drum 110, the air and the water mixes in the throat 235 of the venturi tube 205, and the mixture exits through the opening 315 of the venturi tube 205 thereby producing bubbles inside the tub 105 of the washing machine 100. Hence, the term convergent section and the divergent section are interchangeable.

[0028] Referring to Figure 2A, the one or more protrusions 210 are provided on the venturi-based drumlets 115 for agitating the water inside the tub 105. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, concave shaped protrusions are used for agitating the water. Figure 5A shows a concave shaped protrusion in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The one or more concave shaped protrusions 505 are fixed on the venturi-based drumlets 115 such that, when the drum 110 rotates, the water hits the concave surface and deflects as shown in Figure 5A and creates the local turbulence with eddies in front of the venturi-based drumlets 115. Hence, the concave shaped protrusions 505 deflect, redirect, or even follow the contours of the obstacle, and create a turbulent flow pattern. This results in the formation of re-circulation zones and eddies behind the obstacle, where the water swirls and moves in a circular motion.

[0029] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, plate shaped protrusions are used for agitating the water. Figure 5B shows a plate shaped protrusion in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The one or more plate shaped protrusions 510 are fixed on the venturi-based drumlets 115 such that, when the drum 110 rotates, the water hits the flat surface and disturbs the water in the tub 105 and creates the local turbulence on the opposite side of the plate shaped protrusion 510 of the venturi-based drumlets 115. That is, if the water stream hits the flat obstacle, flow separation may occur. This means that a portion of the water separates from the surface of the obstacle and forms eddies or vortices in the wake of the obstacle.

[0030] As described, as the drum 110 rotates, the protrusion 210 creates turbulence in the water, causing the detergent and water to mix vigorously. This vigorous mixing leads to the formation of bubbles, ensuring that the detergent is evenly distributed throughout the load of laundry. The agitation provided by the protrusions 210 helps to enhance the cleaning process by effectively removing dirt and stains from the clothes. These protrusions may be of any shape as an example shown in the Figure 5A and Figure 5B. It is to be noted that the venturi-based drumlets 115 may include one or more concave shaped protrusions 505 or one or more plate shaped protrusions 510 or combination thereof, for agitating the water and hence for mixing the detergent and water in the tub 105 of the washing machine 100.

[0031] As described, the venturi-based drumlets 115 with venturi tubes 205 and one or more protrusions 210 generates bubbles (foam) inside the washing machine 100 and agitates the water and the detergent in the tub 105 of the washing machine 100. This enhances the efficiency of the water and detergent mixing in the washing machines.

[0032] Furthermore, as described, the venturi-based drumlets increases the mixing efficiency of water and detergent, hence the usage of detergent is reduced in comparison with the conventional washing machines. The venture-based drumlets create agitation by generating turbulence in the water inside the tub. As the detergent is introduced, it reduces the surface tension of the water, allowing air to be trapped and forming bubbles. These bubbles play a crucial role in the cleaning process, as they carry and distribute the detergent throughout the load of laundry.

[0033] Furthermore, the venturi-based drumlets increase the heat transfer by the action of agitation. Heat transfer is then used to break down stains and speed up the cleaning process.

[0034] Furthermore, the venturi-based drumlet attachments on the drum provides improved washing quality by 10-15?Y of the reflectance value, 15-20% saving in washing time, 20-25% saving in detergent usage, increase the heat transfer enhancement by 15% and 15-20% saving in water consumption as compared to the conventional.

[001] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[002] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims. , Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A washing machine (100) comprising:
a tub (105);
a drum (110) rotatably disposed inside the tub (105);
characterized in that the drum (110) comprises one or more venturi-based drumlets (115) attached to on an outer surface of the drum (110), wherein the one or more venturi-based drumlets (115) are configured for agitating water inside the tub (105) during rotation of the drum (110).

2. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more venturi-based drumlets (115) are attached to be in line with one or more baffles (310) of the drum (110) of the washing machine (100).

3. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more venturi-based drumlets (115) comprises one or more venturi tubes (205) for generating bubbles inside the tub (105) of the washing machine (100) during rotation of the drum (110).

4. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the one or more venturi tubes (205) comprises a convergent section (220), a divergent section (225) and an air inlet (230) connected to a throat (235), wherein the air inlet (230) extends inwards through the drum (110) and draws air from the inside of the drum (110) during the rotation the drum (110).

5. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more venturi-based drumlets (115) comprises one or more protrusions (210) for agitating the water inside the tub (105) during the rotation the drum (110).

6. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more protrusions (210) include concave shaped protrusions (505) configured to deflect the water and create local turbulence along with eddies during the rotation of the drum (110).

7. The washing machine (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more one or more protrusions (210) include plate shaped protrusions (510), configured for agitating the water and creating local turbulence, during the rotation of the drum (110).