Detergent Dispenser Siphon Layout for Backflow-Safe Laundry Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing laundry treating apparatus faces issues where detergent supply is disrupted if the siphon formation portion is damaged or blocked, and the detergent is supplied at unwanted times due to malfunctioning valves, also allowing water to flow backward from the tub to the detergent supply unit.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a detergent supply unit with a barrier to separate detergent and water spaces, a siphon formation pipe, and backward flow preventers to ensure detergent supply even with damaged siphons and precise timing control, while preventing water from flowing back to the detergent supply unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a siphon formation portion is used to move detergent and water to the tub, then detergent can be supplied automatically when water level exceeds preset level, but the detergent supply is disrupted if the outlet is blocked or the siphon formation portion is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The storage body is divided into a first space for storing detergent and a second space for storing water, separated by a barrier. This segmentation allows independent control and supply paths for detergent and water, so that blockage or damage in one path does not necessarily disrupt the other, thereby maintaining reliable detergent supply while preserving automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A space communication unit is introduced as an intermediary path that can move liquid from the first space to the second space. This provides an alternative route for detergent-water mixture when the direct siphon path is blocked or damaged, ensuring continuous detergent supply to the tub while maintaining automatic operation.
2Measurement precision
If a valve is used to control water supply to the storage body, then water supply timing can be controlled, but detergent is supplied at unwanted timing if the valve is out of order
Solution Approach 1:
The storage body is segmented into a first space for detergent and a second space for water, with separate supply paths. This allows the water supply valve to control only the water supply to the second space, while the detergent supply from the first space can be controlled independently or through alternative paths, preventing unwanted detergent supply timing even if the valve malfunctions.
Solution Approach 2:
The space communication unit acts as an intermediary that can transfer liquid between the first and second spaces. This provides an alternative mechanism for controlling detergent supply timing that does not depend solely on the water supply valve, ensuring accurate timing even when the valve is out of order.
3Productivity
If a path connects the tub with the detergent supply unit, then detergent can be supplied to the tub, but water stored in the tub may flow backward to the detergent supply unit
Solution Approach 1:
The storage body is divided into a first space for detergent and a second space for water, separated by a barrier. This segmentation creates distinct compartments that prevent water from the tub from flowing backward into the detergent storage area, while still allowing controlled detergent supply to the tub through designated paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful possibility of water backflow is extracted and prevented by designing separate sealed paths for detergent and water supply. The barrier and separate discharge pipes ensure that water flowing in the tub cannot contaminate or damage the detergent supply system, while maintaining efficient detergent delivery to the tub.
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
Ensures reliable detergent supply to the tub even with siphon damage and precise timing control, preventing water backflow to the detergent supply unit, thus addressing the issues of supply disruptions and unwanted detergent delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a siphon formation pipe provided to surround the first discharge pipe, moving a liquid inside the first space to the first body through hole if a water level inside the first space is higher than a height of the first discharge pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus includes a tub, a drum, a cover defining a detergent inlet, a storage body configured to store the detergent, a barrier partitioning an interior of the storage body into first and second detergent spaces, a storage unit water supply nozzle configured to supply water to the first detergent space, a first body through hole defined at a bottom surface of the storage body, a first discharge pipe, a second discharge pipe, a siphon formation pipe surrounding the first discharge pipe and being configured to flow liquid from the first detergent space to the first body through hole based on a liquid level inside the first detergent space, and a space communication unit configured to flow liquid from the first detergent space to the second detergent space based on liquid not being discharged to an outside of the first detergent space through the first body through hole.