Dispenser for a laundry washing machine having a float diverter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating household appliances face challenges in efficiently using space and reducing manufacturing costs due to the need for additional structures and actuators to selectively provide liquid to multiple treating chemistry reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
The use of a distributor with first and second float diverters that selectively direct liquid flow to reservoirs, eliminating the need for additional actuators and optimizing space usage by changing flow paths based on liquid supply rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional structures and actuators are used to selectively provide liquid to multiple treating chemistry reservoirs, then liquid distribution control is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The float diverter automatically responds to liquid supply conditions without external control. When liquid supply is active, the float remains in a position that directs liquid to the treating chemistry reservoir. When liquid supply stops, the float automatically diverges to an alternative reservoir, eliminating the need for external actuators or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses liquid flow itself as the control mechanism. The float diverter is actuated by the presence or absence of liquid supply through buoyancy forces, converting hydraulic conditions into mechanical positioning that directs liquid flow paths without requiring additional pneumatic or hydraulic control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional structures and actuators are used to selectively provide liquid to multiple treating chemistry reservoirs, then liquid distribution control is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The float diverter automatically responds to liquid supply conditions without external control. When liquid supply is active, the float remains in a position that directs liquid to the treating chemistry reservoir. When liquid supply stops, the float automatically diverges to an alternative reservoir, eliminating the need for external actuators or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the control function from complex actuator systems and concentrates it into a simple float mechanism. By removing unnecessary actuators, valves, and control electronics, the design achieves liquid distribution control with minimal components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple water supply points and valves are used, then liquid distribution to reservoirs is improved, but space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple liquid distribution functions into a single water supply point. The float diverter mechanism combines the functions of valve control, flow direction, and reservoir selection into one integrated component that responds to liquid supply conditions and directs flow to appropriate reservoirs.
Solution Approach 2:
The float diverter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a flow sensor, a valve actuator, a flow director, and a reservoir selector. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate water supply points and control valves for each reservoir, optimizing space utilization.
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
This solution allows for efficient use of space and reduced manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for multiple water supply points and valves, simplifying the dispensing system while maintaining effective liquid distribution to each reservoir.
Implementation Method 1
a float diverter (144, 146) in the distributor selectively directs the liquid flow to at least one of the treating chemistry reservoirs (116, 118) when the supply flow of liquid is reduced or stopped
Data Source
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AI summary
A treating chemistry dispenser (62) for a household appliance includes at least first (112) and second (116) treating chemistry reservoirs and a distributor (128) selectively supplying liquid to the first (112) and second (116) reservoirs. The distributor (128) includes a liquid supply circuit having a first branch (138) fluidly coupled to the first treating chemistry reservoir (112) and a second branch (140) fluidly coupled to the second treating chemistry reservoir (116). A first float diverter (144) is located within the supply circuit.