Detergent Cartridge Check Valve Assembly for Automatic Washer Dosing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines lack an efficient and space-effective automatic detergent supply system that prevents detergent from contacting the pump and allows for the automatic injection of additives into the tub.
Innovation Solution
A detergent supply device featuring a cartridge with a check valve assembly and a pump that uses pressure changes to extract and inject detergent into the tub, utilizing integrally formed elastic check valves to prevent direct contact with the pump and enhance space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a gear pump configuration is used for automatic detergent supply, then the detergent can be supplied automatically, but the detergent comes into contact with the gear pump which causes contamination and reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional segments: the cartridge contains the detergent, the check valve assembly controls flow direction, and the pump only handles water or air pressure changes. This segmentation ensures detergent remains isolated from the pump mechanism while maintaining automated supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A check valve assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the detergent cartridge and the pump system. This mediator controls the flow of detergent through check valves that open and close based on pressure differential, preventing direct contact between detergent and pump while enabling automated transfer.
2Ease of operation
If a complex valve structure is implemented for supplying and blocking detergent, then precise control is achieved, but the device complexity increases and space utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple check valves are integrated into a single check valve assembly housing, combining several flow control functions into one compact unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components, simplifies the overall structure, and improves space utilization while maintaining precise flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve assembly serves multiple functions: it controls detergent flow direction, prevents backflow, isolates the pump from detergent, and enables automated supply. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational precision.
3Device complexity
If traditional detergent supply systems are used, then the structure is simple, but space utilization is poor and automatic injection capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The check valves are nested within the check valve housing, with the housing forming a compact assembly that integrates multiple components. The cartridge connects to the check valve assembly which in turn connects to the outlet passage, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization while maintaining functional simplicity.
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 efficient injection of detergent into the washing machine tub while preventing contact with the pump, improving space efficiency and ensuring effective detergent distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a pump for extracting the additive by changing a pressure in the space formed in the check valve assembly
Implementation Method 2
a check valve assembly including a check valve for controlling extracting of the additive... a first check valve for opening and closing the first outlet opening, and a second check valve for opening and closing the second outlet opening
Implementation Method 3
The first and second check valves are formed of an elastic material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A washing machine includes: a tub (31) and a detergent supply device which supplies a liquid additive to the tub (31), wherein the detergent supply device includes: a cartridge (200) containing the additive; a check valve assembly (400) including a check valve for controlling extracting of the additive, and a check valve housing (110) forming a space (S1, S2, S3) in which the extracted additive is temporarily stored; a pump (500) for extracting the additive by changing a pressure in the space (S1, S2, S3); and an outlet passage (700, 800) through which the temporarily stored additive is discharged, wherein the check valve assembly (400) comprises a first outlet opening (421) communicating with the cartridge (200), a second outlet opening (421, 471) communicating with the outlet passage (700, 800), a first check valve (420) for opening and closing the first outlet opening (421), and a second check valve (420, 470) for opening and closing the second outlet opening (421, 471), wherein the first and second check valves (420) are opened in the same direction.