Additive supply unit and washing machine including the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines with additive supply units have complex configurations due to the need for multiple motors and pumps to supply various additives, and they lack optimization in the discharge path and structure for improved usability and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves coupling a cartridge with a check valve assembly to efficiently discharge additives along the shortest path, using a single pump to provide discharge pressure to multiple cartridges through a flow path switching valve, and optimizing the placement of the additive supply unit to avoid interference with other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors and pumps are used to supply various additives, then the ability to supply multiple additives is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single pump is designed to perform multiple functions by sequentially supplying different additives (detergent, fabric softener, etc.) to the washing tub through flow path switching mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate pumps for each additive type
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path switching valve dynamically changes the connection configuration between the pump and different additive containers based on the required additive type, allowing one pump to serve multiple additive supply functions through temporal and spatial switching
2Productivity
If the discharge path is not optimized, then the structure is simpler, but the additive discharge efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge path is segmented into distinct sections with check valve assemblies positioned at strategic locations to control additive flow direction, ensuring efficient discharge while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Check valve assemblies act as intermediary components between the additive containers and the washing tub, automatically controlling the flow direction and preventing backflow, thereby optimizing discharge efficiency without requiring complex control mechanisms
3Device complexity
If a single pump is used to supply multiple additives, then the device complexity is reduced, but the discharge pressure distribution to multiple cartridges becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The single pump operates in periodic cycles, sequentially supplying different additives to the washing tub according to the washing program requirements, with each additive receiving adequate discharge pressure during its designated supply period
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path switching valve is pre-configured to connect the pump to the appropriate additive container before the pump operates, ensuring that discharge pressure is efficiently transmitted to the correct cartridge without loss or misdirection
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
This configuration simplifies the structure of the additive supply unit, optimizes the discharge path, and improves the overall usability and maintenance of the washing machine by efficiently supplying multiple additives without increasing the complexity of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (400) that provides a discharge pressure to the cartridge (100)
Implementation Method 2
a check valve assembly (300) disposed between the cartridge (100) and the discharge tube (200)
Data Source
AI summary
An additive supply apparatus for a washing machine includes a cartridge configured to accommodate a liquid additive therein and discharge the additive through a discharge port formed at one side thereof, a discharge tube that is connected to the cartridge and defines a discharge path configured to guide the additive discharged from the cartridge, a check valve assembly interposed between the cartridge and the discharge tube and configured to selectively open or close the discharge tube and the discharge port of the cartridge depending on a change in pressure, a pump configured to generate a pressure to be provided to the check valve assembly, and a pressure tube configured to connect the check valve assembly and the pump and transmit the pressure generated from the pump to the check valve assembly. The check valve assembly has one end connected to the cartridge and another end connected to the discharge tube.