Hydraulic Detergent Dispenser Self-Cleaning Against Residue Clogging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid product dispensing devices in washing machines and dishwashers face issues with clogging and degradation of detergent residues, leading to unreliable operation and disrupted washing conditions due to separate water and detergent discharge circuits.
Innovation Solution
A liquid product dispensing device with a hydraulic pressure chamber connected to a water inlet and a pump, where the hydraulic pressure chamber communicates with an exhaust orifice that reconnects to a water chamber, allowing reused water to clean the system of product residues, and non-return valves ensure precise dosing and prevention of dilution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate water discharge circuit and detergent circulation circuit are used, then the dispensing device can function independently for each fluid, but detergent residues remain in the transfer line causing clogging and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water discharge circuit with the detergent circulation circuit by connecting the water discharge outlet to the detergent transfer line. This allows the two previously separate circuits to interact, where discharged water can flush detergent residues from the transfer line, preventing clogging while maintaining independent fluid circulation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the water discharged from the hydraulic pressure chamber, the patent recovers it by redirecting it through the detergent transfer line. This recovered water serves a dual purpose: it exits the system as waste water while simultaneously cleaning the detergent transfer line of residues, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms.
2Reliability
If water is used to clean the system of residues, then reliability improves, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-cleaning by utilizing its own discharged water to flush the detergent transfer line. The water that exits the hydraulic pressure chamber is redirected back through the system to clean residues, allowing the device to maintain itself without requiring additional water sources or separate cleaning cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning action occurs continuously during normal operation rather than requiring separate cleaning cycles. As water is discharged from the hydraulic pressure chamber during each operating cycle, it automatically flows through the detergent transfer line to clean residues, ensuring continuous cleaning without interrupting the dispensing function.
3Measurement precision
If non-return valve is mounted in discharge chamber, then dosing precision is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-return valve acts as an intermediary element in the discharge chamber that selectively controls fluid flow direction. It allows water to flow in one direction to clean the system while preventing backflow that would dilute the detergent dose, thereby maintaining dosing precision through a single strategic placement rather than multiple control mechanisms.
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
This solution improves the reliability of the dispensing device by effectively cleaning the system of residues, maintaining consistent detergent dosing, and preventing clogging, thus ensuring optimal washing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pressure chamber connected to water inlet means
Implementation Method 2
a non-return valve mounted in said discharge chamber opposite a liquid product passage orifice
Implementation Method 3
This non-return valve makes it possible to selectively shut off the water inlet and the exhaust orifice opening into the intake chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A liquid product dispensing device comprises a liquid product pumping chamber (21) in communication with a liquid product reservoir, a hydraulic pressure chamber (22) connected to water inlet means (42) and a pump (20) having a piston (23) mounted in translation between the hydraulic pressure chamber (22) and the liquid product pumping chamber (21). The hydraulic pressure chamber (22) is adapted to be in communication with an exhaust port (47) when the water supply is cut off and the exhaust port (47) is connected to a return port ( 66) opening into an evacuation chamber (60) in communication with the liquid product pumping chamber (21). Use in particular for supplying a washing tub of a domestic washing machine with detergent.