Additive feeding device and washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic additive feeding devices for washing machines are prone to blockages, have complex structures, and are costly, leading to inefficiencies in additive control and distribution, which hinders full-automatic washing control and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
An additive feeding device with a liquid storage cavity connected to the water supply pipeline, utilizing a suction structure with two one-way check valves to control the flow direction, allowing for premixing of additives with water and reducing the additive's density, thereby preventing blockages and simplifying the structure for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing automatic additive feeding devices are used, then additive feeding is automated, but blockages occur due to additive remaining in internal pipelines and device complexity increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the additive storage function from the main water supply pipeline by introducing a separate liquid storage cavity. This separation allows the additive to be stored independently and only mixed with water when needed, preventing additive residue from remaining in the main pipeline and causing blockages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary mixing of additive with water in the liquid storage cavity before the mixture enters the main water supply pipeline. This preliminary action ensures complete dissolution and prevents additive crystallization or residue formation that could lead to blockages during subsequent operation.
2Extent of automation
If existing automatic additive feeding devices are used, then additive feeding is automated, but device structure becomes complex and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the liquid storage cavity directly into the water supply pipeline structure, eliminating the need for separate external storage tanks and complex piping systems. The cavity is formed as an integral part of the pipeline, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining automatic feeding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid storage cavity serves multiple functions: it stores additive, mixes additive with water, and acts as part of the water supply pipeline. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby simplifying the overall device structure and reducing cost.
3Productivity
If additive is pumped directly into water supply pipeline without premixing, then feeding is efficient, but additive density causes blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary mixing of additive with water in the liquid storage cavity before the mixture is pumped into the main water supply pipeline. This preliminary action reduces the density and improves the flow characteristics of the additive solution, preventing blockages while maintaining efficient feeding through the pipeline system.
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 enables efficient, automatic feeding of additives, reduces the risk of blockages, and lowers production costs by ensuring proper mixing and distribution of additives within the washing machine, enhancing the washing process while maintaining a simple and effective device design.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a suction structure with two one-way check valves to control the flow direction, allowing for premixing of additives with water
Data Source
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AI summary
An additive feeding device comprises: a liquid storage box (2), for containing an additive; a water supply pipeline (1), for feeding water; and a suction structure, for sucking the additive in the liquid storage box (2) into the water supply pipeline (1). A liquid storage cavity (3) is provided, an opening communicating with a water supply pipeline (1) is formed in the liquid storage cavity (3), an additive pumped into the water supply pipeline (1) flows into the liquid storage cavity (3) from the opening for temporary storage, and the additive in the liquid storage cavity (3) is mixed with inlet water and then flows out of the liquid storage cavity (3). Disclosed further is a washing machine provided with the automatic feeding device.