Liquid Detergent Reservoir Cleaning via Washer Pump Drainage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current household washing machines with liquid detergent reservoirs require manual draining, which is cumbersome and messy, as the detergent flows before the cap is fully removed, and users need a container to catch the detergent, making the process unpleasant and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
An automated method using a detergent dispensing pump and a tank drain pump to empty and evacuate the liquid detergent from the reservoir, connected to the wastewater network, allowing for programmed cleaning without manual intervention and minimizing spills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual draining of the detergent reservoir is implemented, then the structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates and the user experiences spills and mess
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the reservoir to empty itself automatically through the pump mechanism controlled by the microprocessor, eliminating the need for manual cap removal and detergent pouring by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical emptying process (removing cap and pouring) is replaced by an automated pump system controlled electronically, where the microprocessor activates the pump to transfer detergent automatically
2Productivity
If automated cleaning using pump and drain system is implemented, then productivity and ease of operation improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system serves multiple functions: it acts as both a detergent dispensing pump for normal operation and a drain pump for cleaning/emptying the reservoir, allowing one component to perform multiple roles in the system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the detergent dispensing function and the reservoir emptying function into a single integrated pump system, where the same pump and control mechanism handle both detergent delivery during washing and complete reservoir emptying during cleaning cycles
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
The method enables efficient, automated cleaning of the liquid detergent reservoir, preventing spills and simplifying the process for users, while using conventional washing machine components to avoid additional costs, and ensures the reservoir is cleaned and free of residues for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
emptying of a liquid product E2 contained in said at least one liquid detergent reservoir towards said tank by said at least one detergent dispensing pump
Implementation Method 2
evacuation of said liquid product E3 from said tank to said waste water evacuation network by said drain pump
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for cleaning at least one liquid detergent tank of a detergent dispenser of a washing machine, said washing machine comprises a tank filled with liquid from a water inlet, means for controlling an operating cycle of said machine, said at least one liquid detergent tank being adapted to contain a plurality of doses of at least one detergent, said detergent dispenser comprising at least one detergent dispensing pump, said at least one liquid detergent tank being connected to said at least one detergent dispensing pump, said at least one detergent dispensing pump being connected to said tank, and said tank being connected to a waste water drainage network by at least one drain pump. Said method comprises at least the following steps: acquisition of an input signal (E1) suitable for controlling the cleaning of said at least one reservoir of liquid detergent; emptying of a liquid product (E2) contained in said at least one liquid detergent tank to said tank by said at least one detergent dispensing pump; and evacuation of said liquid product (E3) from said tank to said waste water evacuation network by said drain pump. Use in particular in a domestic laundry washing machine, a domestic dishwashing machine.