Single-Pump Liquid Dispensing for Multi-Reservoir Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines require multiple metering pumps for dispensing different liquid products, leading to high costs, bulky designs, and risks of blockages due to undiluted and uncleanable dispensing devices.
Innovation Solution
A liquid product dispensing device with a single metering pump and solenoid valves, utilizing a non-return valve and solenoid valves to manage multiple liquid products, and a hydraulic pressure chamber for dilution and cleaning, allowing for efficient and reliable dispensing of multiple liquid products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple metering pumps are installed to dispense different liquid products, then the dispensing capability for multiple liquid products is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single metering pump is designed to perform multiple functions by sequentially dispensing different liquid products (detergent, fabric softener, rinse aid) through controlled operation cycles. The pump head and associated valves enable one pump to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated pumps, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the liquid product delivery paths using solenoid valves and a non-return valve. The metering pump operates in different modes (dispensing different products at different times) controlled by the valve system, allowing a single static pump to achieve dynamic multi-product dispensing capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple metering pumps are installed to dispense different liquid products, then the dispensing capability for multiple liquid products is improved, but the space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple liquid product dispensing functions are merged into a single metering pump assembly. The pump head, valves, and liquid product pathways are integrated into one compact unit that occupies significantly less space than multiple separate pumps would require, while still providing the capability to dispense multiple different liquid products
Solution Approach 2:
The single metering pump is designed as a universal dispensing unit that can handle multiple liquid products through its valve-controlled system, eliminating the need for multiple specialized pumps and thereby reducing the overall volume required in the washing machine structure
3Manufacturing precision
If liquid products are dispensed without dilution through the metering pump, then the dispensing precision is maintained, but the risk of blockage due to drying increases
Solution Approach 1:
A dilution mechanism is integrated into the metering pump system that performs preliminary dilution of liquid products before they are metered and dispensed. This preliminary action of adding diluent (water) prevents the liquid products from drying and clogging the pump components, while the system maintains precise control over the final dispensing volume through the valve-controlled metering process
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 solution reduces costs, minimizes space requirements, and enhances reliability by enabling the dispensing of multiple liquid products with a single pump, preventing blockages through dilution and cleaning mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a non-return valve is mounted between a first liquid product reservoir and said liquid product pumping chamber
Implementation Method 2
at least one solenoid valve is mounted between at least a second liquid product reservoir and said liquid product pumping chamber
Implementation Method 3
These dosing pumps are only equipped with a single liquid product supply pipe... making it possible to suck up a liquid product from a reservoir of liquid product upstream of the metering pump and to evacuate the liquid product downstream of the metering pump
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid product dispensing device (10) comprises: a liquid product pumping chamber, a dosing pump (18) having a piston mounted for translation within a body of said dosing pump (18), and said liquid product pumping chamber being disposed downstream of said piston in the direction of flow of a liquid product in said device (10). Said liquid product pumping chamber is in fluidic communication with at least two liquid product reservoirs, where a non-return valve (20) is mounted between a first liquid product reservoir and said liquid product pumping chamber, and where at least one solenoid valve (21) is mounted between at least a second liquid product reservoir and said liquid product pumping chamber. Particularly useful in a domestic washing machine, such as a washing machine or dishwasher.