Detergent Pump Reversal to Prevent Washer Line Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In washing machines using liquid detergent, the liquid detergent can solidify when not in use, leading to pipeline clogging and pump damage, as well as difficulties in supplying the required detergent for washing.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design that includes a liquid detergent supply pump capable of maintaining positive and negative pressure differentials to rapidly recover and remove residual liquid detergent from the supply passage and pump by reversing its rotation after detergent supply is finished, along with a passage blocking member to prevent air contact and solidification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid detergent is stored in the supply passage and pump for extended periods, then the washing machine is ready for immediate use, but the liquid detergent solidifies causing pipeline clogging and pump damage
Solution Approach 1:
The pump rotates in reverse direction after detergent supply to withdraw residual liquid detergent from the supply passage and pump, preventing solidification. This inversion of the normal pumping direction eliminates the harmful accumulation of detergent in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers residual liquid detergent from the supply passage and pump by reverse rotation, and discards it into the drum or separate collection area. This prevents the detergent from solidifying and causing damage while maintaining system readiness.
2Reliability
If liquid detergent remains in the pump after supply, then the pump is ready for next use, but solidified detergent damages the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The pump rotates in reverse direction after detergent supply to withdraw residual liquid detergent from the pump and supply passage. This inversion prevents detergent solidification that would damage the pump, maintaining both pump integrity and availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reverse rotation operation is performed preliminarily after each detergent supply cycle to remove residual detergent before it can solidify and damage the pump, ensuring the pump remains intact and ready for the next use.
3Stability of the object's composition
If liquid detergent is exposed to air in the storage part, then air circulation is maintained, but the detergent solidifies and becomes difficult to supply
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid detergent storage part is sealed to create an inert environment that prevents air contact. This maintains detergent consistency and prevents solidification, ensuring smooth supply operation while eliminating the need for air circulation.
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
Prevents solidification of liquid detergent, minimizes clogging and pump damage, ensures consistent detergent supply, and maintains washing performance by effectively managing pressure differentials and air exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid detergent supply pump capable of maintaining a positive pressure differential so as to supply liquid detergent into the washing tub
Implementation Method 2
capable of maintaining a negative pressure differential so as to remove residual liquid detergent not supplied into the washing tub
Implementation Method 3
a rotary pump that maintains a positive pressure differential by performing forward rotation and maintains a negative pressure differential by performing backward rotation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a washing machine, which prevents solidification of liquid detergent by rapidly recovering the liquid detergent left in a liquid detergent supply passage and a liquid detergent supply pump by forming a negative pressure differential by use of the liquid detergent supply pump for a set period of time after the supply of liquid detergent is finished.