Cup Washer Additive Supply Pipe Angle for Precise Detergent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup washers face limitations in precisely controlling the amount of detergent supplied, have complex pump structures that are difficult to maintain, and are prone to detergent leakage and inefficiencies in additive flow.
Innovation Solution
A cup washer design with optimized additive storage and supply structures, including angled supply pipes and a simplified pump assembly, allows for precise control of additive flow and easy maintenance, minimizing leakage and ensuring efficient use of additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pump unit with flexible tube is used to supply detergent, then the detergent can be pressurized and delivered, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pump unit from the overall system and replaces it with a simple valve mechanism. By removing the complex pump assembly (including motor, drive shaft, pump elements, and flexible tube) and retaining only the essential function of controlled detergent release through a valve, the system achieves reliable detergent delivery with minimal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, easily replaceable valve instead of a complex pump unit. The valve can be easily serviced or replaced when needed, whereas the original pump unit required disassembly of multiple components and careful handling to avoid detergent leakage. This approach prioritizes ease of maintenance over mechanical sophistication.
2Reliability
If the pump unit is assembled with housing compartment and supply container, then detergent can be contained and delivered, but maintenance time increases due to sequential assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump unit from the assembly sequence, eliminating the need to disassemble the housing compartment, pump unit, and supply container in sequence. Only the valve needs to be accessed and serviced, dramatically reducing maintenance time while maintaining detergent containment integrity.
3Volume of stationary object
If the inlet and outlet of pump unit are located below the drive shaft, then the pump structure is compact, but detergent remains in the filling space and lower portion of flexible tube
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the pump unit and flexible tube from the system, the patent eliminates the problem of detergent remaining in these components. The valve-based system allows for more complete detergent delivery without the dead zones created by the pump's internal geometry.
4Extent of automation
If detergent supply is controlled by electric motor operation time, then the supply process is automated, but precise control of detergent amount is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric motor-driven pump system with a valve-based mechanism. This substitution allows for more precise control of detergent flow rate and amount through valve opening degree and position, rather than relying solely on timing control of a motor. The mechanical valve provides direct control over the detergent passage.
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 design enables precise control of additive supply, reduces maintenance time, and minimizes leakage, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the cup washing process.
Implementation Method 1
the pump unit includes a flexible tube, a rotor, and a plurality of pump elements (a plurality of rollers). When the electric motor rotates, the pump elements connected to the drive shaft rotate to pressurize the flexible tube, and the detergent in the flexible tube flows out into the washing chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a cup washer. The cup washer of the present disclosure includes an additive storage part and an additive supply part. The additive storage part is configured to store an additive in a storage space. The additive supply part is configured to supply the additive into the tub. The additive supply part includes an additive pump and a first additive supply pipe. The additive pump is located below the additive storage part. The first additive supply pipe connects the lower portion of the additive storage part to the inlet of the additive pump. The first additive supply pipe is configured to provide a first supply passage through which the additive of the additive storage part moves toward the inlet of the additive pump. The first additive supply pipe and the inlet are connected to each other at a predetermined angle.