Detergent Supply Drawer Rinsing to Prevent Washer Valve Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines with automatic detergent supply systems face issues with valve malfunctions due to dried and solidified liquid detergent residue, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates a detergent supply device with automatic and manual supply methods, featuring a detergent accommodation box with separate compartments for liquid and powdery detergents, valve units operated by a cam mechanism, and an automatic water supply guide to prevent valve clogging by spraying water through spray holes, ensuring efficient detergent distribution and preventing valve malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid detergent is supplied automatically through valve units, then detergent supply convenience is improved, but valve malfunction occurs due to dried and solidified detergent residue
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine performs preliminary actions by spraying water to rinse the valve units immediately after detergent supply is completed, preventing detergent residue from drying and solidifying on the valves before the malfunction can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the detergent supply device itself to perform the rinsing function, where the same valve units that supply detergent are subsequently rinsed by water spray, making the system self-maintaining without requiring separate manual intervention
2Productivity
If liquid detergent is used in automatic supply mode, then detergent dissolution efficiency is improved, but valve clogging occurs due to dried detergent residue
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potentially harmful dried detergent residue into a beneficial rinsing target, using water spray to flush the valves immediately after use, transforming the clogging risk into an opportunity for self-cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
Water acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the liquid detergent and the valve units, first facilitating detergent dissolution and supply, then serving as a rinsing agent to remove residue and prevent clogging
3Manufacturing precision
If valve units are used for precise detergent dispensing, then detergent supply precision is improved, but maintenance complexity increases due to valve cleaning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The valve units perform self-cleaning through the automated water rinsing system, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning by the user, thereby reducing maintenance complexity while preserving dispensing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The rinsing action continues immediately after detergent supply, creating a continuous useful action that maintains valve cleanliness without interrupting the overall washing process or requiring separate maintenance steps
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 system allows for convenient automatic and manual detergent supply, effectively preventing valve malfunctions by ensuring liquid detergents are not left to dry and solidify, thus maintaining the washing machine's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
spray holes to spray water toward the lower portions of the valve units
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine including a detergent supply device to supply a detergent together with water to a tub. The detergent supply device includes a detergent housing installed within the main body and a detergent accommodation box movably installed within the detergent housing, and the detergent accommodation box is divided into automatic detergent accommodation parts to accommodate a detergent to be supplied automatically and manual detergent accommodation parts to accommodate a detergent to be supplied manually, and the detergent supply device supplies the detergents through an automatic detergent supply method and a manual detergent supply method.