Washing machine and clothing treatment apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing processes for washing machines and clothing treating apparatuses are complex, and the cost of materials is high due to the need for multiple components to detect detergent levels accurately.
Innovation Solution
A detergent supply system with a detergent pump that includes a detector within the detergent container, an inlet and outlet for detergent flow, and a terminal for electrical connection, simplifying the detection of remaining detergent levels by generating current, thus reducing the number of components needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple components are used to detect detergent levels accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detergent level detector with the detergent pump assembly, integrating the detection function into the pump structure. The detector is positioned to detect detergent levels directly within the pump chamber, eliminating the need for separate detection components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining accurate detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent pump assembly serves multiple functions: it pumps detergent from the container and simultaneously detects detergent levels using the integrated detector. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple components are used for detergent detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the detector with the detergent pump assembly, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces material costs while maintaining accurate detergent level detection capability.
3Device complexity
If a detector is placed within the detergent container, then detergent level detection is simplified, but reliability may be affected by detergent contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the pump chamber as an intermediary between the detector and the detergent container. The detector is positioned in the pump chamber where it can detect detergent levels indirectly through the pump mechanism, rather than being directly exposed to the detergent in the container. This reduces reliability concerns while maintaining detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine includes a cabinet, a tub disposed within the cabinet, and a detergent supplier configured to supply detergent to the tub, wherein the detergent supplier includes a detergent container, and a detergent pump dockable with the detergent container, the detergent pump includes a first case including a detector having at least a portion located within the detergent container, an inlet portion formed to allow detergent to be introduced from the detergent container, and an outlet portion formed to allow the detergent introduced through the inlet portion to be discharged, a second case couplable to the first case, the second case including a terminal electrically connectable to the detector, and a pump configured to draw in detergent through the inlet portion and discharge the drawn-in detergent through the outlet portion.