Bulk Dispense Reservoir Layout for Consistent Washer Priming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current washing machine appliances face challenges in accurately dispensing fluid additives like detergents and fabric softeners due to the use of bulk tanks, which can lead to inefficiencies and damage from unremoved detergent, and the cost of pressure sensors for precise dosing.
Innovation Solution
A compact reservoir with a height of no greater than six inches is used, coupled with a Venturi pump and supply conduit, allowing for accurate dispensing of fluid additives by utilizing the pressure change caused by water flow through the Venturi pump, eliminating the need for costly pressure sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used to determine the amount of fluid additive dispensed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the pressure sensor component from the system, replacing it with a simpler level sensor mechanism that uses a float and magnet system to detect fluid levels without requiring complex pressure sensing electronics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic float as an intermediary element that translates fluid level position into detectable magnetic field changes, enabling indirect measurement of fluid additive amounts without direct pressure sensing
2Volume of stationary object
If bulk tanks are made tall to increase storage capacity, then volume of stationary object is improved, but priming time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical tall tank design to a horizontal or wide-based tank configuration, maintaining storage capacity by expanding in lateral dimensions rather than vertical height, thereby reducing the vertical distance fluid must travel during priming
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the pump at multiple potential locations (top, bottom, or side of the tank) to create equipotential conditions that minimize vertical height differences, ensuring consistent and short priming times regardless of tank fill level
3Quantity of substance
If detergent is added in excessive volumes, then quantity of substance is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system using level sensors that monitor fluid additive levels in real-time and provide signals to the controller to stop dispensing at the appropriate moment, preventing both under-dosing and over-dosing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dispense termination mechanism that stops the dispensing action at the optimal point before the tank is completely empty, ensuring sufficient detergent is provided without the harmful effects of excessive detergent that would occur if dispensing continued to total depletion
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 provides a cost-effective and accurate method for dispensing fluid additives, maintaining consistent priming times regardless of the tank's fill level, ensuring effective cleaning and reducing the risk of detergent buildup and machine damage.
Implementation Method 1
A Venturi pump is coupled to the supply conduit such that the Venturi pump draws fluid additive from the reservoir when a water valve is open and water flows through the Venturi pump
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance includes a reservoir having a height along a vertical direction. The height of the reservoir is no greater than six inches. A supply conduit extends between the reservoir and a Venturi pump. The Venturi pump is coupled to the supply conduit such that the Venturi pump draws fluid additive from the reservoir when a water valve is open and water flows through the Venturi pump.