Peristaltic Additive Pump Switching for Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines require multiple pumps for each additive cartridge, leading to a complex structure and increased costs, as they lack a efficient mechanism for selectively discharging additives from multiple cartridges using a single pump and motor.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates a peristaltic pump system with a flow path switching motor, one-way rotary bearings, and rotors to selectively supply additives from a pair of cartridges to the tub using a single pump, and an additive dispenser with a rotor and connection pipe to manage multiple cartridges with a single motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pumps are used for each additive cartridge, then each cartridge can be supplied reliably, but the device structure becomes complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single peristaltic pump is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively supplying additives from different cartridges through flow path switching. The pump structure includes a pump case with multiple inlet ports connected to different additive cartridges, and outlet ports that can be selectively connected to different inlet ports through flow path switching members, allowing one pump to replace multiple pumps while maintaining reliable additive supply
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system incorporates dynamic flow path switching capability where the connection between inlet ports and outlet ports can be changed during operation. This is achieved through flow path switching members that can be positioned differently to connect specific inlet ports to outlet ports, enabling the single pump to adaptively supply different additives based on washing machine operation modes
2Device complexity
If a single pump is used to supply additives from multiple cartridges, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to selectively discharge additives from different cartridges becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The pump case is segmented into multiple inlet ports, each connected to different additive cartridges, and multiple outlet ports. This segmentation allows the single pump to handle multiple additive sources independently while maintaining the ability to selectively discharge additives through different outlet ports based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Flow path switching members act as intermediaries between the inlet ports and outlet ports. These switching members control the fluid flow paths, enabling selective connection between specific inlet ports and outlet ports. The intermediary switching mechanism allows the single pump to adaptively route additives from different cartridges to the appropriate outlets based on washing machine modes
3Ease of operation
If multiple motors are used to control multiple pumps, then each pump can be independently controlled, but the overall system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single motor is designed to drive the peristaltic pump that handles multiple additive cartridges. The motor provides rotational force to the pump's rotors, and through the flow path switching mechanism, enables independent control of additive supply from different cartridges without requiring multiple motors, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining operational independence
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 the selective discharge of additives from multiple cartridges using a single pump, simplifying the structure and reducing the number of pumps needed, while enabling efficient supply of liquid additives to the tub, thereby enhancing product simplicity and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a peristaltic pump configured to selectively supply the additive discharged from the pair of additive cartridges to the tub
Implementation Method 2
The first rotary bearing and the second rotary bearing are each configured as a one-way rotary bearing to support the first rotor and the second rotor. The first rotary bearing permits a rotation of the first rotor in a first direction and restricts a rotation of the first rotor in a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine includes a tub containing water, a drum rotatably provided in the tub to accommodate laundry, and a detergent mixing device configured to mix additives supplied into the tub. The detergent mixing device includes a pair of additive cartridges containing a liquid additive and a peristaltic pump configured to selectively supply the additive discharged from the pair of additive cartridges to the tub. The peristaltic pump includes a first path switching motor, a first tub, a second tube, a first rotor and a second rotor rotated by the flow path switching motor, a first rotary bearing permitting a rotation of the first rotor in a first direction and restricting a rotation of the first rotor in a second direction, and a second rotary bearing permitting a rotation of the second rotor in the second direction and restricting a rotation of the second rotor in the first direction.