Detachable Sub-Drum Washer With Siphon Detergent Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses require multiple operations and result in detergent waste and high energy consumption due to the need for separate washing cycles for different fabric materials, and they struggle with independent water management and detergent supply for sub-drums.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a detachable sub-drum that allows independent washing cycles, separate water supply and drainage, and a detergent box that uses a siphon effect to discharge detergent and fabric softener at precise times without mixing with wash water, eliminating the need for auxiliary drive units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sub-drum is added to perform additional washing courses, then washing versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to independent water management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The water management system is segmented into separate pathways: a first water supply path for the main drum and a second water supply path for the sub-drum. This segmentation allows independent water control for each drum, enabling versatile washing courses while managing complexity through modular, separated systems rather than a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The water supply unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both the main drum and sub-drum through different water supply paths. This universal design allows a single water supply unit to handle multiple washing scenarios (main drum only, sub-drum only, or both simultaneously) without requiring separate water supply systems for each drum.
2Productivity
If wash water is supplied to both main-drum and sub-drum, then washing efficiency is improved, but detergent waste increases due to separate detergent requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent supply system is segmented into separate pathways: a first detergent supply path for the main drum and a second detergent supply path for the sub-drum. This allows precise control of detergent distribution, ensuring detergent is supplied only where needed for each washing course, thereby improving washing efficiency while preventing detergent waste through targeted application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a detergent box is installed in the sub-drum, then independent detergent supply is achieved, but ease of manufacture decreases due to installation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent box is nested within the sub-drum structure, specifically positioned in the bottom space of the sub-drum. This nesting arrangement allows the detergent box to be integrated into the existing sub-drum design without requiring separate installation space, achieving independent detergent supply for the sub-drum while maintaining ease of manufacture through a compact, space-efficient configuration.
4Manufacturing precision
If fabric softener is supplied to sub-drum at precise timing, then washing quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to timing control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric softener supply operates on periodic action based on washing course stages. The control unit is configured to supply fabric softener to the sub-drum at specific periods: during the second rising cycle or last rinsing cycle. This periodic supply approach achieves precise timing control for optimal washing quality while avoiding the need for complex continuous control systems, as the timing is predetermined based on standard washing course phases.
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 apparatus achieves efficient washing with reduced detergent and energy consumption by allowing independent washing cycles for main and sub-drums, preventing water leakage, and ensuring precise detergent and fabric softener application, enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a detergent discharging unit configured to discharge the wash water supplied from the water supply unit and the detergent into the sub-drum by using a siphon effect
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treating apparatus comprises a tub provided to hold wash water; a drum rotatably provided in the tub and comprising a shaft which is perpendicular to the ground; a sub-drum detachably mounted to the drum and configured to wash laundry after being inserted in an inner circumferential surface of the drum, independent from the drum; a water supply unit configured to supply wash water; and a detergent box provided in the sub-drum to store wash detergent therein and comprising a detergent discharging unit configured to discharge the wash water supplied from the water supply unit and the detergent into the sub-drum.