Detergent Dosing Controller Using Negative-Pressure Water Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid detergent dosing devices in washing machines face issues such as complicated structure, poor dosing precision, equipment operation hindrance due to remaining and solidified detergent, and low dosing efficiency, with existing solutions either leading to sealing problems, inaccurate dosing, or increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A detergent dosing controller with a simple structure, featuring valves A, B, C, D, and optionally E, F, along with a solenoid valve assembly, which allows for precise control of detergent dosing by using bypass orifices and integrated valves to prevent residual detergent issues and enhance dosing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If air pump is used to exert pressure to control dosing quantity, then dosing control is achieved, but pump pressure leakage occurs due to poor sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a water pump as an intermediary device to replace the air pump. The water pump sucks water from the washing bucket to generate negative pressure, which then sucks the detergent to the main water flow. This intermediary water flow mechanism eliminates the sealing problems associated with air pump pressure control while maintaining dosing quantity control.
2Productivity
If gear pump is used to extrude detergent, then detergent can be delivered, but residual detergent solidifies and hinders pump rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional pressure-extrusion method by using negative pressure suction. Instead of pushing detergent through a gear pump (which leaves residual detergent that solidifies), the water pump creates negative pressure that sucks detergent through the system, preventing residual detergent from remaining in the pump and causing solidification that hinders rotation.
3Reliability
If negative pressure generator is used to suck detergent, then sealing problems are prevented, but constant-pressure water pump increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the washing machine's existing water pump and water resources to generate the negative pressure needed for detergent dosing. The water pump sucks water from the washing bucket during the washing process, and this same water flow generates negative pressure to suck detergent. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate constant-pressure water pumps or negative pressure generators, reducing equipment cost while maintaining reliability.
4Measurement precision
If solenoid valve negative pressure system is used, then dosing is achieved, but negative pressure fluctuates with water pressure and flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the water pump's negative pressure generation is tied to the actual washing process water flow. The control system monitors the washing process and adjusts the water pump operation to maintain stable negative pressure for detergent dosing, compensating for variations in water pressure and flow. This feedback approach ensures dosing precision while adapting to changing water conditions.
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
The solution provides high dosing precision and efficiency, prevents detergent residue, and reduces operational noise, while being cost-effective and easy to install, addressing the limitations of previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a water pump sucks water from washing bucket of washing machine or bathing pool to a nozzle on pipeline of washing bucket, a negative pressure generator is installed on the nozzle, when water flows out of the pump, the negative pressure of nozzle can suck the detergent to main water flow
Implementation Method 2
a negative pressure generator is installed on the nozzle, when water flows out of the pump, the negative pressure of nozzle can suck the detergent to main water flow
Data Source
AI summary
A detergent dosing controller that is convenient to use and has better effect is disclosed herein. One side of the main passage is a water inlet (101), another side of the main passage is outlet (102) connecting to liquid inlet of washing bucket, and valves A(2), B(3), C(4), D(5), pump (6) and nozzle (7) are equipped. The inlet of valve A connects to the bypass orifice A(a) of the main passage, inlet of valve B connects to liquid storage tank of detergent A, outlets of valve A and valve B connect to inlet of valve C, inlet of valve D connects to liquid storage tank of detergent B, outlets of valve C and valve D connect to inlet of the pump, outlet of the pump connects to bypass orifice B(b) of the main passage, and for the relative location of bypass orifices A and B of main passage, bypass orifice A is relatively close to the inlet of main passage, bypass orifice B is relatively close to the outlet of main passage, the nozzle connects to main passage by concatenation and between bypass orifices A and B. The invention is applicable to the dosing of detergent for electric washing equipments.