Liquid Detergent Supply Passage Sensing for Removable Washer Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating apparatuses face challenges with powder washing agents due to low dissolution rates, leading to residual detergent in the tub and on laundry, and existing liquid washing agent supply systems often have residual quantity detecting units that interfere with container access and filling, making it inconvenient to manage the washing agent supply.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a removable storage container for liquid washing agents, a pump in the supply passage, and a residual quantity detecting unit integrated into the supply passage to accurately detect and manage washing agent levels, allowing for precise supply based on laundry quantity and washing agent availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a residual quantity detecting unit is installed in the storage container, then the residual quantity of washing agent can be detected, but the storage container cannot be drawn out of the cabinet
Solution Approach 1:
The residual quantity detecting unit is separated from the storage container and integrated into the washing agent supply passage. This segmentation allows the storage container to be freely removable while maintaining the detection function in the supply passage where the washing agent flows.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing agent supply passage serves as an intermediary location that connects both the storage container and the washing agent discharge. By installing the detecting unit in this intermediate position, the system achieves detection capability without interfering with container removal.
2Measurement precision
If the storage container is fixed to the cabinet, then the residual quantity detecting unit can be installed, but it becomes difficult to fill the liquid washing agent
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the detecting unit from the storage container and placing it in the supply passage, the system enables easy container removal for filling while maintaining detection functionality in the fixed supply passage infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If powder washing agent is used, then it is easy to store and handle, but the dissolution rate is low causing residual detergent
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical state parameter of the washing agent from solid powder to liquid form. Liquid washing agents provide complete dissolution and reliable cleaning performance while the pump mechanism handles the liquid form efficiently through the supply passage system.
4Ease of operation
If the storage container is made removable, then it is easy to access and refill, but the residual quantity detecting unit cannot be integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting unit is segmented from the movable storage container and placed in the fixed supply passage, allowing the container to be removable for easy access while the detecting unit remains in position to monitor washing agent residual quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply passage acts as an intermediary structure that connects the removable container with the fixed detection system, enabling both container accessibility and residual quantity detection to coexist.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus may include a washing agent supply unit supplying a liquid washing agent into a tub through a washing agent supply passage between a storage container and the tub, a residual quantity detecting unit to detect a residual quantity of the liquid washing agent, a laundry quantity detecting unit to detect a laundry quantity, and a controller controlling the washing agent supply unit to supply the liquid washing agent by adding a quantity of the liquid washing agent corresponding to the laundry quantity with a quantity of the liquid washing agent corresponding to the washing agent supply passage, when the liquid washing agent is initially supplied after detecting a residual quantity shortage of the washing agent, whereby an accurate quantity of the liquid washing agent can be supplied upon an initial supply after the detection of the residual quantity shortage.