Detergent Additive Box Venting and Suction for Automatic Washer Dosing
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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 system that integrates with the washing machine's feeding pipeline for automatic and multi-time drainage, ensuring complete detergent usage without waste and simplifying the mounting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a detergent box with siphon unit is used to dilute detergent before feeding, then concentrated detergent damage to clothes is avoided, but automatic adding and precise control cannot be realized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional siphon-based mechanical system with an electromagnetic valve-controlled system. The electromagnetic valve precisely controls the opening and closing of the detergent discharge port based on sensor feedback, enabling automatic and precise detergent addition without relying on mechanical siphon mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors detect water hardness, turbidity, and detergent concentration, and the computer board uses this information to automatically control the electromagnetic valve, achieving precise and adaptive detergent addition based on real-time washing conditions.
2Extent of automation
If electromagnetic valve and sensor system is used for precise detergent control, then automatic adding is realized, but structure becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensor functions (water hardness detection, turbidity detection, detergent concentration detection) into a unified control system that manages both detergent and softener addition through a single computer board, reducing overall system complexity despite multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detergent box and softener box into an integrated additive box assembly with unified mounting structure, and merges the control of both detergent and softener discharge into a single computer board system, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining automation.
3Productivity
If detergent is pumped out from sealed box, then detergent can be delivered, but air pressure decreases making detergent flow difficult and ventilation structure is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ventilation function from the sealed box structure by adding a dedicated ventilation valve that opens when the box is mounted on the washing machine. This allows air to enter the box during detergent dispensing, maintaining pressure balance without compromising the sealed storage when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation valve transitions from a closed state during storage to an open state during operation, dynamically adapting to the operational requirements. This dynamic opening allows pressure equalization during detergent pumping while maintaining密封性 during storage.
4Device complexity
If traditional detergent box structure is used, then simple structure is maintained, but detergent cannot be automatically added and full-automatic control cannot be realized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the additive box into separable components (detergent box, softener box, mounting structure) that can be easily installed and removed. This modular segmentation maintains structural simplicity while enabling automatic functionality through the integrated sensor and valve system.
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 system enables automatic and efficient 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
A suction device (3) is arranged in the detergent additive box (1). An inlet of the suction device (3) is communicated with the cavity, and an outlet of the suction device (3) is communicated with an inlet of the on-off valve (5).
Implementation Method 2
The detergent additive box (1) is provided with a one-way ventilation valve (2)... when the internal pressure of the detergent additive box (1) is lower than the external pressure, the one-way ventilation valve (2) opens to allow air to enter the cavity
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.