Detergent Supply Device with Guide Member for Consistent Flow Rate
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing detergent supply devices in washing machines face challenges in maintaining a consistent detergent flow rate as the detergent level in the detergent case falls below the outlet position, leading to reduced reliability and efficiency in detergent distribution.
Innovation Solution
A detergent supply device with a guide member that includes a tubular tunnel and semi-circular cover, coupled to the detergent outlet, which guides the detergent to the lower portion of the outlet, ensuring consistent discharge and minimizing air discharge, thereby maintaining a constant flow rate even when the detergent level is low.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If detergent is discharged by air introduced into the detergent case, then the detergent can be discharged from the detergent case, but the flow rate of the detergent discharged together with air is not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the detergent case and the detergent pump. The guide member includes a guide passage that directs detergent flow and a cover that seals the upper portion of the detergent outlet, preventing air from mixing with the detergent during discharge. This mediator ensures that detergent flows consistently to the pump without air interference, maintaining reliable flow rate while enabling effective detergent discharge.
2Productivity
If the detergent level falls below the detergent outlet position, then the detergent case can be emptied, but the flow rate of detergent supplied by the detergent pump cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member extends vertically into the detergent case, creating a three-dimensional structure that maintains detergent flow path integrity regardless of detergent level. The guide passage and cover structure ensures that detergent can be discharged even when the level drops below the original outlet position, while the sealed configuration maintains consistent flow rate by preventing air entrainment throughout the discharge process.
3Productivity
If air is introduced into the detergent case to discharge detergent, then the detergent can be discharged, but the pumping effect degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member acts as an intermediary that separates the air introduction function from the detergent discharge function. Air can still be introduced into the detergent case to facilitate detergent discharge, but the guide passage and cover structure prevents air from directly mixing with the detergent stream at the outlet. This maintains the pumping effect by ensuring the detergent reaches the pump in a controlled, air-free manner while still enabling effective discharge.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine includes a main body; a washing tub, and a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the washing tub. The detergent supply device includes a detergent housing disposed in the main body and formed with a flow path through which the detergent is suppliable to the washing tub; a detergent case to be disposed inside the detergent housing, to store the detergent inside therein, and formed with a detergent outlet through which the detergent stored inside the detergent case is discharged; and a detergent pump to be connected to the detergent outlet to supply the detergent stored in the detergent case to the flow path, and the detergent case includes a guide member and the detergent outlet of the detergent case is coupleable to the guide member which covers a part of an upper portion of the detergent outlet while coupled to the detergent outlet.