Detergent Container Connector Structure for Stable Liquid Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detergent supply apparatuses in washing machines are prone to electrical contact failures and incorrect operation due to shaking of the detergent container, which can lead to short circuits and failure in detecting proper accommodation of the detergent container.
Innovation Solution
A detergent supply apparatus with a connector unit that securely attaches to the detergent container and accommodating housing, featuring guide protrusions and grooves to prevent shaking, slip prevention members, and electrical connection terminals to ensure reliable power supply and correct insertion, along with an electrode sensor for detecting liquid presence to control the pump unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the detergent container is directly connected to power without a separate connector unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but electrical contact failures and short circuits occur due to shaking
Solution Approach 1:
The connector unit is divided into a first body attached to the pump unit and a second body attached to the detergent container accommodating housing. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each part and enables flexible assembly while maintaining stable electrical connections even when the detergent container shakes.
2Ease of operation
If the detergent container is allowed to move freely for easy insertion and removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but shaking causes sensing failures and short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The connector unit acts as an intermediary between the detergent container and the pump unit. It provides a stable electrical connection interface that remains reliable even when the detergent container is being inserted or removed, preventing sensing failures and short circuits while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connector unit allows free movement for easy assembly, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but water ingress and electrical failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing member is used in the connector unit to create a water-tight barrier between the first body and the second body. This sealing structure prevents water from entering the electrical connection interface, protecting against water ingress and electrical failures while still allowing for relatively easy assembly during manufacturing.
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
Prevents electrical contact failures, ensures correct detection of detergent container accommodation, and prevents water ingress, enhancing the reliability and operation of the detergent supply system.
Implementation Method 1
one or more guide protrusions formed on one of the first body and the second body, and one or more accommodating grooves formed on the other one of the first body and the second body and configured to accommodate the guide protrusions
Implementation Method 2
an electrode sensor for detecting liquid presence to control the pump unit
Implementation Method 3
a pump unit installed outside the detergent container, and configured to pump the detergent stored in the detergent container to the detergent container accommodating housing
Data Source
AI summary
A detergent supply apparatus, and a washing machine including the same. The washing machine includes the detergent supply apparatus which includes a detergent container accommodating housing installed in the cabinet and having an opening in the front portion of the cabinet, a detergent container configured to store the detergent and to be removably inserted into the detergent container accommodating housing through the opening of the detergent container accommodating housing, a pump unit installed outside the detergent container, and configured to pump the detergent stored in the detergent container to the detergent container accommodating housing, and a connector unit configured to supply power to the pump unit, and including a first body attached on an outer portion of the pump unit and a second body attached on the detergent container accommodating housing, the first body is electrically connected to the second body by being removably attached to the second body.