Detergent additive box and mounting structure thereof, and distribution box
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional washing machines lack an automatic and precise system for detergent addition, leading to inefficiencies and waste, as existing solutions are either complex, costly, or require frequent detergent box replacement.
Innovation Solution
A detergent additive box with a one-way ventilation valve, suction device, and on-off valve that allows for automatic drainage and multi-time use, eliminating the need for frequent mounting and minimizing detergent waste through a closed box structure with a suction device extending to the bottom and a flow channel design for continuous drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a detergent box is connected with a water inlet pipeline to enable automatic adding, then the automation level is improved, but the detergent box must be refilled at each washing time which increases loss of time and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent box is pre-filled with detergent before being installed on the washing machine. The box is designed to be refillable without removal, allowing users to add detergent in advance while the machine operates, eliminating the need to interrupt washing cycles for refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent box is designed with a self-draining structure where detergent automatically flows from the box to the washing drum through gravity and pressure differential, without requiring external pumping or complex control mechanisms. The box serves itself by utilizing the washing machine's operational conditions to dispense detergent.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple detergent adding structure is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but precise control of detergent amount cannot be achieved leading to loss of substance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electromagnetic valves and electronic control systems with a purely mechanical drainage structure. The detergent flow is controlled by the pressure differential between the detergent box and washing drum, combined with a specifically designed outlet structure that provides precise flow control without requiring external power or complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage structure utilizes changes in pressure and flow rate parameters during the washing cycle to control detergent dispensing. The outlet design creates a pressure-dependent flow regime that automatically adjusts the detergent flow rate based on the washing machine's operational state, achieving precise control without complex mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealed detergent box structure is used, then protection of detergent from contamination is improved, but air pressure imbalance occurs during drainage leading to operational reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ventilation function from the sealed box structure by incorporating a dedicated ventilation channel that is spatially separated from the detergent storage cavity. This channel allows air pressure equalization during drainage while maintaining the sealed protection of the detergent, resolving the conflict between sealing and pressure balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation channel acts as an intermediary element between the sealed detergent box and the external environment. It mediates the pressure balance requirement by allowing air exchange without compromising the sealed protection of the detergent, enabling both contamination prevention and reliable drainage operation.
4Loss of substance
If the suction device inlet is close to the bottom wall for complete drainage, then loss of substance is reduced, but liquid may not flow smoothly to the inlet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved flow channels and rounded transitions in the drainage path leading to the suction device inlet. The curved geometry promotes smooth liquid flow by eliminating sharp angles and dead zones, ensuring that detergent flows efficiently to the inlet positioned near the bottom wall without turbulence or flow resistance.
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 automatic and precise detergent addition, reducing waste and the need for frequent detergent box replacement, enhancing the automation level of washing machines and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The detergent is pumped out, the air pressure in the sealed detergent additive box becomes lower and lower
Implementation Method 2
a ventilation structure is needed to balance the air pressure in the detergent additive box
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a detergent additive box. The detergent additive box is a closed box structure having a cavity inside. The detergent additive box is provided with a one-way ventilation valve and a liquid outlet. An on-off valve is arranged on the liquid outlet. A suction device is arranged in the detergent additive box. An inlet of the suction device is communicated with the cavity, and an outlet of the suction device is communicated with an inlet of the on-off valve. The detergent additive box of the present disclosure cooperates with a switching mechanism of a washing machine and a feeding pipeline of the washing machine to realize automatic drainage and multi-time drainage, so that the detergent additive box does not need to be mounted at each time of washing.