Detergent supply device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detergent supply devices face issues with insufficient solubility of powder detergents, contamination, and inconvenience in supplying laundry detergents, leading to sedimentation and poor aesthetics, as well as inefficiencies in detergent distribution during the washing process.
Innovation Solution
A detergent supply device with a housing that includes separate storage containers for different laundry detergents, a laundry detergent pump, and a detergent passage system with separation walls to prevent mixing, allowing for automatic and efficient supply of detergents to the washing tub, along with a manual dispensing unit for user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single storage container is used for different laundry detergents, then the device complexity is reduced, but the laundry detergents may be mixed and contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into multiple separate compartments (first storage container and second storage container) that are physically separated by a partition wall. Each compartment stores a different type of laundry detergent, preventing mixing while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate storage containers for different laundry detergents are provided, then detergent mixing is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple storage containers are integrated into a single storage container frame that can be collectively removed and installed as one unit. The frame combines the first and second storage containers along with the pump mechanism, simplifying user operation while maintaining separation of detergents.
3Device complexity
If manual detergent supply is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but user convenience deteriorates due to frequent door opening
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically supplies laundry detergent from the storage containers to the washing machine drum through a pump mechanism. The pump is controlled to dispense the required amount of detergent based on washing parameters, eliminating the need for manual intervention and frequent door opening.
4Ease of operation
If automatic detergent supply is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but the risk of detergent mixing and sedimentation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic supply system maintains separate flow paths for different detergents through the segmented storage containers. Each detergent is pumped independently through its own passage, preventing mixing and sedimentation while providing automatic supply convenience.
5Device complexity
If a single detergent passage is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but different detergents cannot be efficiently distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent passage system is divided into separate passages corresponding to each storage container. The first detergent passage carries detergent from the first storage container and the second detergent passage carries detergent from the second storage container, enabling efficient and separate distribution of different detergents.
6Productivity
If multiple detergent passages are provided, then detergent distribution efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detergent passages are merged into an integrated passage system that shares common structural elements and control mechanisms. The passages are arranged to flow into a common discharge area, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining separate flow paths for efficient detergent distribution.
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 device efficiently stores and automatically supplies the right amount of detergent, prevents mixing of different detergents, and enhances user convenience by allowing for direct addition of detergent, reducing sedimentation and contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a laundry detergent pump provided at a rear portion of the housing to move each laundry detergent accommodated in the first and second storage containers toward the housing
Implementation Method 2
the laundry detergent passage is divided into different movement paths by a separation wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a detergent supply device, including a housing (210) disposed to extend in one direction; a storage container frame (210d) withdrawably mounted in the housing; a first storage container (221) and a second storage container (222) in which different first and second laundry detergents are respectively stored, and mounted in parallel to each other in the storage container frame; and a laundry detergent pump (231, 232) provided at a rear portion of the housing to move each laundry detergent accommodated in the first and second storage containers toward the housing, wherein a laundry detergent passage (211, 212) is disposed on a lower surface of the housing to extend so as to move laundry detergent introduced thereinto toward a detergent input hole (214), and the laundry detergent passage is divided into different movement paths by a separation wall (213), and a laundry treating apparatus including the same.