Apparatus for detecting remaining amount of detergent in washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines, particularly those using liquid detergent, lack a precise method to detect the remaining amount of detergent and inform users about the number of washing cycles available, leading to potential incomplete laundry washing due to insufficient detergent.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a pair of electrode sensing means submerged in the detergent tank, utilizing resistance electrode rods with specific electrical resistance, measures the remaining detergent level and calculates the available washing cycles based on electrical characteristics, using a control unit to provide real-time information on the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple electrode rod detection method is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of remaining detergent amount is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple electrode rods positioned at different heights within the detergent tank. Each electrode rod independently detects detergent presence at its specific level, creating a segmented detection approach that maintains simple individual components while achieving comprehensive measurement through multiple segments working together
Solution Approach 2:
The detection method transitions from a single-point detection to multi-level detection by adding the vertical dimension. Multiple electrode rods are positioned at different heights (first electrode rod at higher position, second electrode rod at lower position), transforming the detection from one-dimensional to three-dimensional space, thereby enabling precise measurement of remaining detergent amount without increasing individual component complexity
2Device complexity
If no real-time detection is provided, then the device complexity is minimized, but the loss of information regarding remaining detergent amount occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring detergent levels through the electrode rods and providing real-time information to the user. The control unit receives signals from the electrode rods and displays the remaining detergent amount, creating a closed-loop feedback system that informs users about detergent status without requiring complex additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system operates autonomously by automatically detecting detergent levels through the electrode rods and providing information without user intervention. The system self-monitors the detergent amount and communicates status to the user, eliminating the need for manual checking while maintaining minimal device 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
Accurately detects the remaining detergent amount and informs users about the number of washing cycles, enhancing user convenience by ensuring adequate detergent levels for complete washing cycles.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the pair of electrode sensing means is a resistance electrode rod that is formed of an electrode rod made of a single material having a certain resistance or an electrode rod made of a composite material having a certain resistance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting the remaining amount of detergent in a washing machine, wherein the apparatus detects the remaining amount of detergent filled in a detergent tank and provides information about the number of washing cycles available afterwards. The apparatus for detecting the remaining amount of detergent in a washing machine comprises: a pair of electrode sensing means installed in a detergent tank to be impregnated with detergent; and a control unit that supplies current to the pair of electrode sensing means, extracts the remaining amount of detergent by using a change in electrical characteristics measured between the pair of electrode sensing means according to the level of the detergent, and provides the remaining amount of detergent to a display unit, wherein at least one of the pair of electrode sensing means is composed of a resistance electrode rod, and the resistance electrode rod is composed of an electrode rod formed of a single material having a certain resistance or an electrode rod formed of a composite material that is obtained by mixing an insulating material and a conductive material and has a certain resistance.