Aspirator with offset outlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machine appliances face challenges in precisely controlling the flow of fluid additives, such as detergents and fabric softeners, due to gravitational head issues with existing dispensing systems, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage from unremoved detergent residues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bulk dispense system incorporating an aspirator or Venturi pump, which includes a supply conduit and an aspirator with a water inlet, additive inlet, and outlet conduit configuration that minimizes gravitational head by positioning the outlet above the fluid storage volume, ensuring precise control over additive flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pump is used to draw additive from the bulk tank, then the additive can be dispensed during washing machine operation, but gravitational head causes flow to continue even after the motive fluid has stopped flowing through the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump component from the dispensing system and replaces it with a gravity-based aspirator mechanism. This extraction of the active pumping element eliminates the gravitational head problem that caused continuous flow after motor shutdown, while maintaining automatic dispensing capability through the aspirator's passive operation during the wash cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the washing machine's own water flow during operation to drive the aspirator and dispense additives. The motive water from the wash cycle automatically creates the suction needed to draw additive from the bulk tank, eliminating the need for a separate pump while ensuring flow stops when the wash cycle stops.
2Device complexity
If the outlet conduit is positioned at the same level as the water inlet conduit, then the structure is simpler, but gravitational head cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the conduit configuration by positioning the outlet conduit at a different vertical level than the water inlet conduit. This asymmetric arrangement creates the necessary gravitational head differential to control additive flow, with the outlet positioned higher to allow proper suction and flow termination when motive water stops.
3Productivity
If excessive volumes of detergent are added, then the wash cycle can proceed, but detergent remains in articles after rinsing causing graying, roughness, and skin allergies
Solution Approach 1:
The aspirator system provides automatic feedback-based control of detergent dispensing. The flow of motive water during the wash cycle automatically regulates the suction and dispensing rate of detergent from the bulk tank, ensuring precise dosage without manual intervention. This prevents both under-dosing and over-dosing that could lead to residue problems.
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 solution allows for improved control over the amount and duration of additive flow, preventing excessive detergent buildup and suds, thus enhancing washing machine efficacy and reducing the risk of damage, while ensuring effective rinsing and fabric softening.
Implementation Method 1
the aspirator having a water inlet, an additive inlet, and an outlet, the outlet of the aspirator positioned above the fluid storage volume of the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance includes a reservoir and a dispensing assembly for drawing fluid additives from the reservoir into the wash basket of the washing machine appliance. The dispensing assembly includes an aspirator comprising a water inlet, an additive inlet, and an outlet. The outlet of the aspirator is positioned above the maximum fill level of a fluid storage volume of the reservoir.