Detergent Pump Assembly With Shared Drive for Multi-Liquid Dosing

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines with multiple liquid pumping devices for different detergents increase cost, complexity, and volume due to separate pumping structures and power units.

Innovation Solution

A detergent delivery pump assembly with fixed-volume chambers, pistons, and a motor-driven transmission mechanism using sawtooth-shaped chutes and linkage assemblies to control the delivery of detergents with a single power source, allowing flexible and precise control of detergent delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple liquid pumping devices are provided for different detergents, then each detergent can be delivered independently, but the cost, volume, and structural complexity of the washing machine increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent delivery capabilityVSAvoidpumping structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple liquid pumping devices into a single integrated pump assembly that can handle multiple detergents. The pump body contains multiple pumping chambers with shared components (motor, transmission mechanism, valve body), eliminating the need for separate pumping devices for each detergent type while maintaining independent delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single pump assembly is designed with multi-functional capability to deliver different types of detergents (laundry agent, softener, sanitizer) through a unified structure. The valve body can be configured with different valve assemblies to control various detergent flows, making the pump versatile for multiple detergent delivery functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple liquid pumping devices are provided for different detergents, then each detergent can be delivered independently, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent delivery capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple liquid pumping devices into a single integrated pump assembly that can handle multiple detergents. The pump body contains multiple pumping chambers with shared components (motor, transmission mechanism, valve body), eliminating the need for separate pumping devices for each detergent type while maintaining independent delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single pump assembly is designed with multi-functional capability to deliver different types of detergents (laundry agent, softener, sanitizer) through a unified structure. The valve body can be configured with different valve assemblies to control various detergent flows, making the pump versatile for multiple detergent delivery functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple liquid pumping devices are provided for different detergents, then each detergent can be delivered independently, but the volume of the washing machine increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent delivery capabilityVSAvoidwashing machine volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump assembly employs a nested structure where multiple pumping chambers are arranged concentrically or adjacently within a single pump body. The valve assemblies are integrated into the valve body, and the transmission mechanism is housed within the motor assembly, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes overall volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple liquid pumping devices into a single integrated pump assembly that can handle multiple detergents. The pump body contains multiple pumping chambers with shared components (motor, transmission mechanism, valve body), eliminating the need for separate pumping devices for each detergent type while maintaining independent delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9493900B2Washing machine and detergent delivery pump assembly thereof

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 WUXI LITTLE SWAN ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

A washing machine and a detergent delivery pump assembly thereof are provided. The detergent delivery pump assembly includes a pump defining a plurality of fixed-volume chambers therein for containing detergents respectively, each fixed-volume chamber being provided with a liquid inlet valve and a liquid outlet valve; a plurality of pistons disposed in the plurality of fixed-volume chambers in one-to-one correspondence relationship and each including a piston head, the piston head being controlled to reciprocate in the fixed-volume chamber to draw or push out a fixed volume of detergent; a motor assembly; and a transmission mechanism to associate the piston heads with the motor assembly, such that the piston heads are controlled to move in the fixed-volume chambers by the motor assembly.