Washing Machine Detergent Bottle Feed for Automatic Dosing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines require frequent detergent refilling and subjective determination of detergent amount, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to potential over or under consumption.
Innovation Solution
A detergent supply apparatus and washing machine that automatically supply a predetermined amount of liquid detergent using a commercially available bottle, with a detergent reservoir and pump system that senses laundry load and detergent level, ensuring appropriate detergent usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a detergent supply box is used in conventional washing machines, then detergent can be supplied to the washing tub, but the detergent supply box must be repeatedly refilled by the user which is inconvenient and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent bottle is pre-filled with liquid detergent before being placed in the washing machine. The connecting part is pre-configured to automatically connect the detergent bottle to the detergent reservoir when the bottle is inserted, eliminating the need for user refilling operations during each laundry cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent supply system automatically manages its own detergent supply by using the detergent bottle as a self-contained reservoir. The gravitational flow system and automatic connection mechanism allow the system to self-regulate detergent transfer without requiring user intervention for refilling or monitoring.
2Ease of operation
If the user subjectively determines the amount of detergent to supply, then the detergent supply box can be filled, but too much or too little detergent may be supplied leading to under consumption and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine controller automatically determines the appropriate detergent amount based on sensed laundry load information. The system provides feedback control by adjusting the detergent supply quantity to match the actual washing needs, preventing both over-supply and under-supply of detergent.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual, subjective determination of detergent amount by the user is replaced with an automated electronic control system. The controller uses sensors to detect laundry load and automatically calculates and dispenses the precise detergent quantity needed, eliminating human judgment errors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a detergent bottle containing liquid detergent is used, then commercially available bottles can be readily utilized, but the bottle must be securely fixed and connected to ensure proper liquid detergent flow by gravitational force
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting part is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate standard commercial detergent bottles. It performs multiple functions: securing the bottle in place, creating a fluid-tight connection, and enabling gravitational flow of liquid detergent into the reservoir, all through a single integrated component.
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
Automatically supplies the necessary amount of liquid detergent for each wash cycle, enhancing user convenience and reducing detergent waste and costs by using a commercially available bottle and sensor-activated pump system.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting part adapted to fix a portion of the detergent bottle to the detergent reservoir such that the liquid detergent can flow through the connecting part and into the detergent reservoir by gravitational force
Data Source
AI summary
A detergent supply apparatus comprising a storage space adjacent to a washing space in which washing is performed, a detergent bottle seat provided in the storage space and adapted to receive a detergent bottle containing a liquid detergent, a detergent reservoir in fluid communication with the detergent bottle, and a connecting part adapted to fix a portion of the detergent bottle to the detergent reservoir such that the liquid detergent can flow through the connecting part and into the detergent reservoir by gravitational force.