Automatic Liquid Detergent Dispensing for Washing Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines require users to manually add liquid detergent for each wash cycle, leading to inconvenience and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine design that includes a liquid detergent container and a detergent supply unit, where wash water is injected and mixed with liquid detergent, which is then supplied to the tub, utilizing a liquid detergent supply path and pump to automate the detergent distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users manually add liquid detergent for each wash cycle, then the washing machine can be operated, but the convenience and efficiency of detergent use is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of detergent additionVSAvoidtime required for manual detergent addition
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid detergent is pre-filled into a container that is installed in the washing machine before use. The system automatically dispenses the required amount of detergent during each wash cycle without requiring user intervention, thereby eliminating the time and inconvenience of manual detergent addition while maintaining proper detergent dosage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The washing machine is equipped with an automatic detergent dispensing system that independently manages the liquid detergent supply. The system automatically draws detergent from the container and delivers it to the wash drum, enabling the machine to serve itself without human intervention and improving operational convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If a liquid detergent container and supply path are added to the washing machine, then automated detergent distribution is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated detergent distributionVSAvoidstructure of detergent supply system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid detergent container is extracted as a separate, removable component from the main washing machine body. This modular design allows the container to be independently filled, removed for refilling, and reinstalled, thereby automating detergent distribution while minimizing the impact on overall device complexity and facilitating easy maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A supply path acts as an intermediary channel connecting the liquid detergent container to the wash drum. This intermediate structure enables automated detergent delivery through a simple, direct route, achieving automation functionality without requiring complex mechanical or electronic dispensing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design improves the efficiency of liquid detergent use by automating its distribution based on wash load, ensuring optimal detergent dosage and water supply, thereby enhancing the washing process.

Implementation Method 1

A liquid detergent supply pump which is disposed on the liquid detergent supply path and pumps the liquid detergent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

liquid detergent and wash water are mixed together in the detergent supply unit and supplied to the tub

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMixing:

Data Source

PatentUS8006522B2Liquid detergent dispensing system for a washing machine
Publication Date: 2011.08.30 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US8006522B2 patent drawing
  • US8006522B2 patent drawing
  • US8006522B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a support frame, which supports the main housing of the washing machine, and a liquid detergent container, which is disposed in the support frame and contains a liquid detergent therein. Therefore, the washing machine can improve the efficiency of the use of a liquid detergent.