Liquid Detergent Supply Control for Accurate First-Dose Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating apparatuses face challenges with powder washing agents due to low dissolution, leading to residue in tubs and on laundry, and existing liquid washing agent supply systems often have residual quantity detecting units that interfere with container access and filling, making it inconvenient to manage washing agent supplies.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a removable storage container for liquid washing agents, incorporating a residual quantity detecting unit in the supply passage that separates from the storage container, allowing for accurate detection and facilitating easy access and refilling, and a controller that adjusts washing agent supply based on detected quantities to ensure proper mixing with water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a residual quantity detecting unit is integrated into the storage container, then detection function is provided, but access and filling of the storage container becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: the storage container (180) that can be freely accessed and removed, and the residual quantity detecting unit (250) that remains fixed in the washing machine. The storage container has its own level sensor (186) for basic detection, while the main detecting unit is separated and positioned in the washing agent supply passage (190), allowing the container to be easily accessed and filled without interference from detection components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the storage container is fixed to the cabinet, then stability is improved, but drawing out and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container (180) is designed as a separate, removable module that can be easily drawn out from the cabinet (110) through a draw-out opening (222). This segmentation allows the container to maintain stability during operation while enabling easy removal for cleaning and refilling. The container is equipped with a handle (181) to facilitate easy gripping and removal.
3Ease of operation
If powder washing agent is used, then convenience of use is improved, but dissolution becomes insufficient causing residue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the washing agent from solid powder to liquid form. Liquid washing agents have superior dissolution properties and can be fully mixed with water, eliminating the residue problems associated with powder agents. The system is designed to supply liquid washing agent through the storage container (180) and supply passage (190), ensuring complete dissolution and effective washing without residual deposits on laundry or in the tub.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus may include a washing agent supply unit supplying a liquid washing agent into a tub through a washing agent supply passage between a storage container and the tub, a residual quantity detecting unit to detect a residual quantity of the liquid washing agent, a laundry quantity detecting unit to detect a laundry quantity, and a controller controlling the washing agent supply unit to supply the liquid washing agent by adding a quantity of the liquid washing agent corresponding to the laundry quantity with a quantity of the liquid washing agent corresponding to the washing agent supply passage, when the liquid washing agent is initially supplied after detecting a residual quantity shortage of the washing agent, whereby an accurate quantity of the liquid washing agent can be supplied upon an initial supply after the detection of the residual quantity shortage.