Detergent Dispenser Water Path Merging to Reduce Valve Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing detergent supply devices in washing machines require multiple water supply paths and valves, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity due to the need for separate paths and valves for each detergent accommodating portion.
Innovation Solution
A detergent supply device with a dispenser connected to multiple hoses, where washing water from one hose diverges to supply multiple detergent accommodating portions through a single path, reducing the number of water supply valves and paths needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple water supply paths and valves are provided for each detergent accommodating portion, then each detergent compartment can be supplied with washing water independently, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple water supply paths are merged into a single common water supply path. The dispenser cover integrates multiple water supply holes that all receive water from the same water source through this common path, eliminating the need for separate valves and paths for each detergent compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The single common water supply path serves multiple functions by distributing washing water to all detergent accommodating portions simultaneously. The dispenser cover acts as a universal distribution point that can supply water to any or all detergent compartments based on the washing cycle requirements.
2Ease of operation
If multiple water supply paths and valves are provided for each detergent accommodating portion, then precise control of water supply to each compartment is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply control system is simplified by merging multiple control functions into a single common path with integrated dispenser cover. This reduces the number of manufacturing steps, parts to assemble, and quality control points while maintaining the ability to control water distribution to different compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser cover with multiple water supply holes automatically distributes washing water to the appropriate detergent compartments based on the water flow pattern and cycle requirements, eliminating the need for complex valve control mechanisms and reducing manufacturing complexity.
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 design reduces the number of water supply valves and simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing washing water to be efficiently distributed to multiple detergent compartments using fewer paths, thereby lowering costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the dispenser supplies at least one path through which washing water supplied from one of the plurality of hoses moves by diverging the washing water to at least two of the plurality of detergent accommodating portions
Data Source
AI summary
A detergent supply device of a washing machine is disclosed, which comprises a dispenser provided on a water supply path of the washing machine and connected with a plurality of hoses; and a detergent box arranged to be drawn out inside the dispenser and provided with a plurality of detergent accommodating portions partitioned to be more than the plurality of hoses, wherein the dispenser supplies at least one path through which washing water supplied from one of the plurality of hoses moves by diverging the washing water to at least two of the plurality of detergent accommodating portions.