Detergent supply unit for a washing device and corresponding washing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines lack an effective method for measuring residual detergent amounts and easy cleaning of detergent supply units, leading to inefficiencies and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A detergent supply unit with a detachable container, a pump system, and a motor-driven mechanism that allows for automatic detergent supply and easy detachment for cleaning, along with sensors to detect detergent levels and control the supply process based on laundry weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the detergent supply unit uses a fixed integrated structure, then the detergent supply process is stable and reliable, but the unit cannot be easily detached for cleaning and residual detergent measurement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent supply unit is divided into separate components: a removable container for holding detergent and a fixed pump unit. The container can be detached for cleaning and replaced when empty, while the pump unit remains integrated with the washing machine for stable operation. This segmentation allows the container to be easily removed for cleaning purposes while the pump maintains reliable detergent supply functionality.
2Extent of automation
If the detergent supply unit uses manual pumping, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but automatic detergent supply based on laundry weight cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a weight sensor that detects the weight of laundry and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit then automatically controls the pump to supply the appropriate amount of detergent based on the detected weight, achieving automatic detergent supply without manual intervention. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt detergent dosage to actual washing needs.
3Ease of repair
If the pump handle is fixed in position, then the pump structure is stable and reliable, but the pump cannot be easily cleaned and maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into a fixed pump unit and a removable container. The pump unit remains integrated with the washing machine for structural stability and reliable operation, while the container that holds detergent can be completely removed for thorough cleaning and maintenance. This segmentation allows the pump structure to remain stable while enabling easy access for cleaning the container and associated components.
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
Enables intuitive detection of residual detergent, efficient automatic detergent supply, and easy maintenance, improving washing machine operation and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the pump handle performs a reciprocating motion due to the driving force
Implementation Method 2
a detergent suction tube, wherein the pump is configured to supply the part of the detergent sucked through the detergent suction tube
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A washing machine and a control method thereof are provided. More particularly, a washing machine of supplying a detergent automatically to a detergent mixing tub using a detachable detergent supply container, or of supplying a softening agent automatically to a softening agent mixing tub using a detachable softening agent supply container, and a method of controlling the washing machine are disclosed. Some of the disclosed embodiments provide a washing machine of supplying a detergent automatically to a washing tub using a detergent supply unit with a detergent supply container, and of supplying a softening agent automatically to the washing tub using a softening agent supply unit with a softening agent supply container, and a method of controlling the washing machine.