Dosing device overcoming change in viscidity of detergent and method for controlling same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detergent delivery systems in washing machines are inaccurate for different detergent brands due to varying viscosities at different temperatures, as they rely on unified motor running time calculations, leading to inconsistent detergent amounts.
Innovation Solution
A detergent delivery device with a piston and crank-connecting rod mechanism, controlled by a controller that calculates detergent volume based on weight, materials, and temperature, and adjusts motor cycles to ensure precise delivery independent of viscosity changes, using one-way valves and a cam mechanism to trigger the motor rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If motor running time is used to control detergent delivery, then the control system is simple, but the delivery accuracy deteriorates due to viscosity changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the actual detergent delivery amount is measured and compared with the target amount. The controller adjusts the pump operation parameters based on this feedback to compensate for viscosity variations, ensuring accurate delivery without requiring complex pre-calibration for different detergent types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely time-based mechanical control system with an intelligent control system that uses sensors to detect detergent properties and a controller to adjust pump operation in real-time, substituting mechanical timing with intelligent adaptive control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If unified motor running time calculation is used for all detergents, then the control method is universal, but the delivery precision deteriorates for different detergent brands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that adapts to different detergent characteristics in real-time. Instead of using fixed motor running time calculations, the system dynamically adjusts pump operation parameters based on detected detergent properties, maintaining both universality and precision across different detergent brands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters from fixed time-based values to dynamically adjusted parameters based on detergent viscosity and other properties. The controller modifies pump speed, stroke length, or cycle frequency according to the actual detergent characteristics, achieving precise delivery for all detergent types.
3Manufacturing precision
If environmental temperature feedback is used to adjust delivery time, then delivery accuracy improves for one detergent type, but accuracy deteriorates for other detergent brands with different viscidity patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the feedback mechanism to detect not only temperature but also detergent-specific properties such as viscosity. The controller uses this comprehensive feedback to adjust delivery parameters according to the specific detergent brand being used, rather than applying a universal temperature-based adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of detergent properties before the delivery process begins. The system characterizes the detergent's viscosity and other relevant properties in advance, then pre-calculates the appropriate delivery parameters for that specific detergent type, ensuring accurate delivery from the start.
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 precise detergent delivery regardless of viscosity, ensuring adequate detergent amount is added even with different detergent brands and temperatures, by controlling motor revolutions rather than relying solely on time.
Implementation Method 1
a pump configured to draw the detergent from the detergent storage and inject the detergent into a dissolving container
Implementation Method 2
the first and second one-way valves are mounted at a top of the delivery container and have opposite liquid conducting directions
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery device for delivering a detergent independently of a change in a viscidity of a detergent and a method of controlling the same are provided. The delivery device includes a detergent storage; a pump configured to inject the detergent into a dissolving container a motor configured to drive the pump; a delivery container communicated with the detergent storage via a first one-way valve; the dissolving container communicated with the delivery container via a second one-way valve, the first and second one-way valves having opposite liquid conducting directions; a piston disposed in the delivery container; a crank-connecting rod mechanism constituted by the delivery container, the piston, a piston rod and a crankshaft; a contact switch; a cam disposed on a main journal of the crankshaft, a point of an outer contour of the cam triggering the contact switch to turn on and off once when the crankshaft makes one revolution.