Automatic detergent supply apparatus and washing machine having the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines have a detergent supply apparatus located on top, which complicates usability, is difficult to operate, and has a poor external shape, necessitating improvements for easier detergent access and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A detergent supply apparatus is integrated into the bottom of the washing machine, featuring a detergent box with separate compartments for detergents and fabric softeners, a pump system for automatic dispensing, and a design that allows the detergent box to be easily withdrawn, enhancing usability and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the detergent supply apparatus is located on top of the washing machine, then the detergent can be easily accessed, but the external shape becomes poor and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent supply apparatus is inverted from the conventional top location to a bottom location within the washing machine body. This inversion resolves the contradiction by placing the detergent supply at the bottom, which improves external appearance while maintaining accessibility through the door-mounted detergent box.
2Shape
If the detergent supply apparatus is integrated into the bottom inside the body, then external shape is improved and usability increases, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent supply apparatus at the bottom serves multiple functions: it maintains a clean external appearance, provides automatic detergent supply through the pump system, and allows easy access through the door-mounted box. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by delivering multiple benefits simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate compartments for detergent and fabric softener are provided, then usability and storage capacity are improved, but the detergent box structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent box is segmented into separate compartments for different types of detergents and fabric softener. This segmentation allows users to store multiple products simultaneously while maintaining organized access, justifying the increased structural complexity through improved versatility and usability.
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 improves usability by enabling one-touch detergent access and enhances the machine's external appearance, providing a more convenient and user-friendly experience.
Implementation Method 1
a detergent supply pump provided to discharge a detergent present in the detergent box
Implementation Method 2
a circulation pump provided in the drainage apparatus and configured to circulate water stored in the tub
Implementation Method 3
a drainage apparatus to forcibly discharge water stored in the tub outside the body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A detergent supply apparatus for a washing machine, the detergent supply apparatus comprising: a detergent box (120) comprising a first accommodating portion (126a) adapted for storing a detergent and a second accommodating portion (126b) adapted for storing a fabric softener; a detergent supply pump (140) comprising a first outlet (148a) and a second outlet (148b), wherein the detergent supply pump (140) is connected to the first accommodating portion (126a) and to the second accommodating portion (126b) and wherein the detergent supply pump (140) is adapted to discharge the detergent from the first accommodating portion (126a) and adapted to discharge the fabric softener from the second accommodating portion (126b); a first connection pipe (150) and a second connection pipe (50), wherein a tub (13) is connectable with a drainage apparatus (30) via the first connection pipe (150), wherein the tub (13) is connectable with a circulating pump (170) via the second connection pipe (50), and wherein the first outlet (148a) and the second outlet (148b) are connected to the first connection pipe (150).