Detergent Pump Assembly With Shared Motor and Selective Pistons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines with multiple liquid pumping devices for different detergents increase costs, complexity, and volume due to separate pumping structures and power units.
Innovation Solution
A detergent delivery pump assembly with a transmission mechanism using sawtooth-shaped chutes and linkage assemblies allows a single motor to control the movement of pistons for different detergents, eliminating the need for multiple power sources and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pumping functions into a single integrated pump assembly. One pump body houses multiple pistons (first piston for laundry agent, second piston for softener) that share common components including the pump chamber, valves, and power transmission mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate pumping devices while maintaining the ability to deliver different detergents independently through selective piston actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling different pistons selectively. The pump can deliver laundry agent using the first piston, softener using the second piston, or both simultaneously by coordinating both pistons. The universal pump body and shared valve system enable this multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated pumps for each detergent type.
2Reliability
If multiple separate power units are provided for each pumping device, then each pump can operate independently, but the manufacturing cost and device volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power units into a single motor assembly that drives all pistons through a common transmission mechanism. The motor assembly includes a motor body and output shaft that connect to both the first and second pistons via crank mechanisms. This single power source replaces multiple separate motors, reducing manufacturing cost and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining independent operational capability through selective engagement of different crank mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If a single motor controls multiple pistons through a transmission mechanism, then the structure is simplified and cost reduced, but precise control of detergent delivery must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism is segmented into independent crank mechanisms for each piston. The first crank mechanism connects the motor output shaft to the first piston, and the second crank mechanism connects the motor output shaft to the second piston. Each crank mechanism can be independently controlled or engaged/disengaged, allowing precise control over which piston actuates and when. This segmentation maintains manufacturing precision despite using a single motor, as each piston's motion can be independently regulated through its dedicated crank mechanism.
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
Enables precise and flexible control of detergent delivery with a compact design, reducing manufacturing costs and maintaining reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a motor assembly, and a transmission mechanism, the transmission mechanism being used to connect the piston heads with the motor assembly
Implementation Method 2
each piston head is driven by a piston rod to reciprocate in a corresponding one of the plurality of fixed-volume chambers, so that the detergent is sucked into or pushed out of the fixed-volume chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A washing machine and detergent delivery pump assembly thereof, the detergent delivery pump assembly comprising a pump (10), a plurality of pistons (20), a motor assembly (40), and a transmission mechanism (30, 50). The pump (10) is provided with a plurality of fixed-volume cavities (11) therein for receiving the detergent; each fixed-volume cavity (11) is provided with a liquid inlet valve (12) and a liquid outlet valve (13) thereon; the plurality of pistons (20) are disposed in each fixed-volume cavity (11) in one-to-one correspondence; each piston (20) comprises a piston head (21); the piston head (21) is controlled to reciprocate in the fixed-volume cavity (11) to suck in or push out a fixed-volume of detergent; the transmission mechanism (30, 50) is used to link the plurality of piston heads (21) with the motor assembly (40), and to control one of the piston heads (21) to move in the fixed-volume cavity (11) via the motor assembly (40). Therefore, the detergent dosing pump assembly of the present invention not only ensures the flexible and stable control of detergent delivery, but also enables the detergent delivery pump assembly to have a compact structure, thus effectively reducing manufacturing cost.