Detergent supply device and laundry treating apparatus including the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detergent supply devices face issues with insufficient solubility of powder detergents, sedimentation, contamination, and inconvenience in supplying laundry detergents, leading to inefficient washing and user dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

A detergent supply device with a housing containing parallel storage containers for different laundry detergents, a laundry detergent pump, and separate passages with a separation wall to prevent mixing, along with an inclined surface for efficient detergent flow and a wash water dispenser to facilitate detergent and water mixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If different laundry detergents are stored in the same storage container, then the device complexity is reduced, but the laundry detergents may be mixed and contaminated due to sedimentation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage container structureVSAvoiddetergent contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The storage container is divided into multiple storage chambers (first storage chamber, second storage chamber) separated by a partition wall. Each chamber stores different types of laundry detergent separately, preventing mixing and contamination while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single passage is used for all detergents, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detergents with different viscosities may be mixed and cannot be efficiently supplied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassage structureVSAvoiddetergent supply efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The passage structure is segmented into first and second passages, each corresponding to a specific storage chamber. The first passage supplies the first laundry detergent while the second passage supplies the second laundry detergent, ensuring efficient supply for each detergent type without mixing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If manual detergent supply is required, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the device complexity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent supply convenienceVSAvoidautomatic supply mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent supply device automatically supplies laundry detergent to the tub without requiring user intervention. The system self-regulates the supply process, eliminating the need for users to manually open doors or add detergent during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of opening doors and adding detergent is replaced with an automated pump system that mechanically transfers detergent from storage chambers to the tub, improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Quantity of substance

If powder type laundry detergent is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the solubility is insufficient and detergent remains undissolved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent solubilityVSAvoiddetergent type selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system can accommodate different detergent types (liquid, powder, gel) by changing the storage and supply parameters. The separate storage chambers and tailored passages allow each detergent type to be stored and supplied under optimal conditions for its physical properties, improving solubility and dissolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 supplies the right amount of detergent, prevents mixing of different detergents, and enhances user convenience by automatically dispensing detergents while ensuring effective washing.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

an inclined surface for efficient detergent flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11555268B2Detergent supply device and laundry treating apparatus including the same

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A detergent supply device includes a housing disposed to extend in one direction; a storage container frame withdrawably mounted in the housing; a first storage container and a second storage container 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 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 is disposed on a lower surface of the housing to extend so as to move laundry detergent introduced thereinto toward a detergent input hole, and the laundry detergent passage is divided into different movement paths by a separation wall, and a laundry treating apparatus including the same.