Venturi-Based Automatic Detergent Delivery for Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional washing machines require manual detergent addition, leading to inefficiencies such as improper detergent usage, waste, and inconvenience, as users must manually select and add different detergents for various wash cycles.
Innovation Solution
An automatic delivery system for a washing machine that includes a water box with a detergent distribution system, featuring multiple installation cavities for different washing additive boxes, a Venturi tube for negative pressure extraction, and a switching mechanism to facilitate the automatic delivery of various detergents based on user selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual detergent addition is used, then the washing machine structure is simple, but the user workload increases and detergent control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through the Venturi tube that automatically draws detergent from the container into the water flow using pressure differential, without requiring manual intervention or complex pumping mechanisms. The detergent is automatically delivered based on water flow rate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles through the Venturi tube design, where water flow creates a pressure differential that automatically draws detergent from the container. This eliminates the need for mechanical pumps or complex delivery mechanisms, achieving automatic detergent addition through fluid dynamics
2Extent of automation
If canned or bottled detergent is used with automatic delivery, then detergent delivery is automated, but the user still has to manually add detergent and the device becomes inconvenient to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution box is designed to accommodate multiple types of detergent containers (canned, bottled, or refillable containers) through a universal interface. The system can handle different detergent forms and container types, providing multi-functionality while maintaining automated delivery and easy user operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a detachable distribution box and removable detergent containers that can be dynamically adjusted and replaced by users. This dynamic design allows easy maintenance and refilling operations while maintaining automated delivery functionality during normal operation
3Productivity
If residue detergent remains in the delivery device, then detergent is delivered efficiently, but the user cannot change to other types of detergent
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent container is designed to be completely extractable from the distribution box, allowing users to remove the entire container with residual detergent intact. This extraction design enables complete detergent type changes without requiring cleaning of the delivery system, maintaining both delivery efficiency and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the detergent delivery function into a separate removable container and a fixed distribution box. This segmentation allows the container to be easily removed and replaced while the distribution box remains in place, enabling quick detergent type changes without affecting the overall system or requiring cleaning of residual detergent
4Productivity
If multiple washing additives are delivered simultaneously, then washing efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution box incorporates multiple vertical compartments stacked one above another, each holding different washing additives. This vertical arrangement in another dimension allows simultaneous delivery of multiple additives through separate outlets into the water flow, achieving enhanced washing efficiency without significantly increasing horizontal space or system complexity
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 system ensures the precise and efficient delivery of detergents, reducing waste, simplifying the washing process, and allowing users to easily switch between different detergents, thereby enhancing washing machine efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a negative pressure extraction mechanism including a Venturi tube arranged in the main water inlet pipeline, the washing additive being drawn out of the washing additive box and delivered into the washing barrel by a negative pressure generated by water flow through an outlet of the Venturi tube
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic delivery system for a washing machine, and a washing machine, are provided. The automatic delivery system comprises: a water box provided with a main water inlet pipeline and a detergent delivery pipeline; a distribution box arranged inside the water box and provided with at least one installation cavity for accommodating a washing additive box; the washing additive box being installed in the installation cavity, and being provided with an unidirectional ventilation structure and a liquid outlet, and a negative pressure extraction mechanism, the negative pressure extraction mechanism comprising a Venturi tube arranged in the main water inlet pipeline, the washing additive being drawn out of the washing additive box and delivered into the washing barrel by a negative pressure generated by water flow through an outlet of the Venturi tube.