Washing machine having detergent supply device
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Solution Overview
Problem
In washing machines, detergent can remain in the detergent case due to uneven water distribution and low water temperature, leading to reduced rinsing performance and customer dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A detergent supply device with a housing, a detergent case, and a water supply unit that includes multiple spray nozzles to create a one-directional rotational water current, ensuring even water distribution and preventing detergent residue regardless of water pressure or temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If water is supplied to the detergent case using a conventional water supply unit, then the detergent case is filled with water, but the water distribution is uneven and detergent remains in certain areas
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply unit is divided into multiple spray nozzles positioned at different locations within the detergent case. Each nozzle targets a specific area, ensuring comprehensive and uniform water distribution across the entire detergent accommodating space, thereby preventing detergent residue in any particular region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles through the water supply unit that delivers water under pressure to the detergent case. The spray nozzles are designed to optimize water flow patterns, creating effective water jets that penetrate and flush out detergent residues from all areas of the detergent accommodating part.
2Use of energy by moving object
If low temperature water is used to supply the detergent case, then energy consumption is reduced, but the detergent hardens and cannot be washed away
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzles are positioned and oriented to deliver water to the detergent before it has a chance to harden from prolonged exposure to low temperature. The water supply timing and distribution pattern are designed to preemptively flush out detergent while it is still soluble, preventing the hardening issue without requiring energy-intensive heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes water supply parameters including pressure, flow rate, and distribution timing rather than changing water temperature. By adjusting these physical parameters of water delivery, the system achieves effective detergent removal while maintaining low energy consumption and avoiding detergent hardening.
3Reliability
If water pressure is increased to wash away residual detergent, then detergent removal improves, but water consumption increases and spray coverage becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the water supply into multiple targeted spray nozzles, each nozzle operates at optimized pressure levels for its specific location. This segmentation allows effective detergent removal in each zone without requiring uniformly high pressure throughout, thereby reducing overall water consumption while maintaining removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different areas of the detergent case receive water with locally optimized pressure and flow characteristics. The spray nozzles are positioned and angled to deliver appropriate water pressure to specific regions where detergent residue is most likely to occur, ensuring effective removal without wasting water in areas that don't require high pressure.
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 solution ensures complete detergent removal and maintains the cleanliness of the detergent case by evenly distributing water and preventing residue, addressing issues of residual detergent and rinsing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a one-direction rotational water current is generated inside a detergent case by water sprayed from a plurality of spray nozzles
Implementation Method 2
a rotating member coupled to be rotatable to dissolve a detergent in the detergent accommodating part in water
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a washing machine having a detergent supply device in which water supplied to the detergent supply device is evenly distributed in a detergent case so that detergent remaining in the detergent case is washed out completely. The detergent supply device includes a housing having an opening, a detergent case coupled to be movable through the opening and provided with a detergent accommodating part in which a detergent is accommodated, and a water supply unit coupled to the housing and configured to guide water to the detergent case, wherein the water supply unit includes: a first water supply frame provided with a first water supply channel that guides water to a first area corresponding to the detergent accommodating part; and a second water supply frame provided with a second water supply channel that guides water to a second area having at least a portion located outside a circumference of the first area.