Detergent Dosing Piston Control for Viscosity-Independent Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detergent delivery systems in washing machines are inaccurate when dealing with detergents of different viscosities at varying temperatures, as they rely on a unified standard for calculating motor running time, leading to inconsistent detergent addition across different brands.
Innovation Solution
A detergent delivery device with a piston, crank-connecting rod mechanism, and cam-activated contact switch connected to the washing machine controller, allowing independent control of detergent delivery based on viscosity changes, using one-way valves and a crankshaft to ensure precise delivery regardless of temperature and brand variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a unified standard is used to calculate motor running time for detergent delivery, then the control system is simple, but the delivery accuracy deteriorates when detergent viscosity varies with temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from time-based (motor running time) to volume-based (piston displacement volume). By controlling the piston's movement through cam mechanism geometry, the system delivers a fixed volume of detergent per cycle regardless of viscosity variations, thereby maintaining delivery accuracy without complex control systems.
2Measurement precision
If the motor running time is adjusted based on environmental temperature feedback, then delivery accuracy improves for one detergent brand, but adaptability to other detergent brands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the viscosity-dependent variable (time) from the control process and replaces it with a viscosity-independent parameter (piston displacement volume). The cam mechanism's geometric design ensures that each piston stroke delivers a consistent volume regardless of detergent properties, making the system universally adaptable to different detergent brands without requiring temperature-specific calibration.
3Manufacturing precision
If a cam mechanism with contact switch is used to control piston movement, then detergent delivery precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism with contact switch is designed to automatically control the piston's movement and the valve timing. The contact switch is triggered by the cam's geometry itself, creating a self-regulating system where the mechanical design inherently ensures precise volume delivery without requiring external sensors or complex electronic control systems.
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 and independent control of detergent delivery, ensuring accurate amounts are added regardless of viscosity changes, improving delivery accuracy across different detergent brands and temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a first one-way valve and a second one-way valve which are mounted at a top of the delivery container and have opposite liquid conducting directions
Implementation Method 2
a pump configured to draw the detergent and inject the detergent into the detergent storage
Implementation Method 3
a crank-connecting rod mechanism connected with the motor is constituted by the delivery container, the piston, a piston rod and a crankshaft
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Disclosed are a washing machine component and a method for using same, particularly a detergent dosing device in a washing machine and a method for controlling same. An electric machine (10) and a dosing cartridge piston mechanism are connected together by a crank and connecting rod mechanism, and the number of revolutions of the electric machine (10) is counted by a cam (9) and a contact switch (8) so as to control the operation of the electric machine (10). By controlling the electric machine (10) via the number of revolutions of the electric machine (10), the amount added can be precisely controlled, without influencing the control over the amount of detergent added due to a change in viscidity thereon.