Detergent Supply Path Design to Prevent Washer Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating apparatuses face issues with detergent supply when the siphon formation portion is blocked or damaged, and the valve for controlling water supply is out of order, leading to unwanted detergent timing and potential backward flow of water from the tub to the detergent supply unit.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a connector for controlling water supplied to the tub and detergent supply unit, including a piston valve system to ensure detergent supply at desired times and prevent backward flow, utilizing a siphon formation pipe and space communication units to maintain detergent supply even with damaged components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a siphon formation portion is used to supply detergent and water to the tub, then detergent can be supplied automatically when water level exceeds preset level, but the system fails completely if the outlet is blocked or siphon formation portion is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent supply path is divided into multiple independent outlets (first outlet and second outlet) instead of relying on a single siphon formation portion. This segmentation ensures that if one outlet is blocked or damaged, the other can still function to supply detergent to the tub, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by designing redundant detergent supply paths with multiple outlets before any blockage or damage occurs. This preventive design ensures that the system has backup pathways ready in advance, so that partial damage to one outlet does not lead to complete system failure.
2Ease of operation
If a valve is added to control water supply to the detergent supply unit, then detergent can be supplied at controlled timing, but the system becomes vulnerable to valve malfunction causing unwanted detergent supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the valve component from the detergent supply control system and replaces it with a passive water level-based control mechanism. By removing the active valve, the system eliminates the risk of valve malfunction while maintaining timing control through the natural siphon action that activates only when water reaches the appropriate level in the detergent supply unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent supply timing is controlled through self-service by the water level itself. When water is supplied to the detergent supply unit, it automatically reaches a level that triggers the siphon effect and activates detergent discharge, without requiring any external valve control. This eliminates mechanical failure points while maintaining operational control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tub and detergent supply unit are connected through a water supply path, then water can be supplied to both components, but water may flow backward from the tub to the detergent supply unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing outlets with different orientations and positions (first outlet and second outlet at different locations and angles). This asymmetric configuration, combined with the siphon effect, creates a one-way flow pattern that allows water and detergent to move forward to the tub while preventing backward flow from the tub to the detergent supply unit.
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
Ensures reliable detergent supply to the tub regardless of siphon damage and valve functionality, while preventing water from flowing backward to the detergent supply unit, thus improving operational efficiency and user control.
Implementation Method 1
a detergent supply unit that includes a siphon formation portion for moving the detergent and water to a tub by causing siphon if a water level inside the storage body exceeds a preset water level
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus includes a tub, a drum, a detergent supply unit, a connection pipe, first and second water supply pipes, a supply unit water supply pipe, a housing defining a chamber configured to receive water from the first water supply pipe. The housing defines a first path connected to the first water supply pipe, a second path connected to the second water supply pipe, and a third path connected to the supply unit water supply pipe. The apparatus further includes a first valve configured to open and close the first water supply pipe or the first path, a second valve configured to open and close the third path, a second tub arranged above or below the tub, a second drum, a second tub water supply pipe, and a second tub water supply pipe valve.