Top-Load Washer Detergent Tank Rotation for Complete Emptying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detergent dispensing systems in top-loading washing machines are bulky, prone to spills, and inefficient in emptying detergent due to the counterweight mechanism, leading to incomplete dispensing and potential waterlogging of powder detergents, which can prevent proper rotation and result in residual detergent left in the compartment.
Innovation Solution
A detergent dispensing device that utilizes the rotation of the washing machine drum to drive water into the detergent container, effectively cleaning the storage area and removing residues by orienting the container's opening to align with the water jet, ensuring complete emptying and preventing detergent agglomeration through controlled filling and emptying positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a counterweight mechanism is used to rotate the detergent compartment, then the compartment can be made to rotate for dispensing, but the mechanism becomes bulky and the counterweight water spills out during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the counterweight mechanism entirely from the detergent dispensing system. Instead of using a separate counterweight water accumulation pocket to drive rotation, the invention relies on the drum's rotational motion to naturally rotate the compartment and dispense detergent through gravity and centrifugal force.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent compartment serves multiple functions: it stores detergent, rotates with the drum motion, and dispenses detergent all without requiring a dedicated counterweight mechanism. The compartment is designed to be simple yet perform multiple dispensing-related functions.
2Productivity
If the compartment rotates quickly for emptying, then detergent dispensing speed increases, but powder detergent becomes waterlogged and heavier, preventing complete emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The compartment rotation speed is not fixed but varies dynamically with the drum's rotation. During high-speed spinning, centrifugal force drives rapid detergent ejection. During lower-speed phases, gravity and residual motion complete the emptying process, adapting to the detergent's physical state changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits changes in detergent properties during the wash cycle. Powder detergent that becomes waterlogged and heavier is compensated for by the continued rotational motion and centrifugal force, which maintain dispensing effectiveness despite the detergent's changed physical parameters.
3Quantity of substance
If detergent adheres to the compartment walls, then detergent storage capacity increases, but the detergent cannot flow out during rotation, leaving residues
Solution Approach 1:
The rapid rotation and centrifugal forces create dynamic motion that prevents detergent from statically adhering to compartment walls. The continuous motion and force changes during drum rotation keep detergent loose and flowing, preventing buildup that would impede emptying.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive property of detergent that could cause residues is converted into an advantage: detergent that adheres slightly during storage is then effectively ejected during rotation due to centrifugal force, ensuring complete dispensing without leaving harmful residues.
4Productivity
If the compartment is designed for complete emptying, then detergent dispensing is thorough, but the compartment structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent dispensing function is separated from the rotation drive function. The compartment simply rotates with the drum; detergent dispensing is achieved through the combination of rotation, gravity, and centrifugal force rather than complex internal mechanisms within the compartment itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent compartment is designed to empty itself through the drum's rotational motion. No additional actuators, motors, or complex mechanisms are needed within the compartment - the drum's motion naturally provides both rotation and the centrifugal force needed for complete detergent ejection.
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 enhances the efficiency and reliability of detergent dispensing, ensuring complete emptying and preventing detergent residue, regardless of the detergent type, while reducing the risk of waterlogging and agglomeration, thus improving the overall washing machine performance.
Implementation Method 1
during the rotational drive of said drum at a speed of orbiting of the water contained in said washing tank, the water contained in said washing tank is driven in the direction of at least one opening of said at least one detergent tank
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A top-loading laundry washing machine (1) comprising a body (2), a washing tank (3), a drum and a detergent dispensing device (6), said device (6) being mounted on the door (5) for closing the access opening (4) of the bodywork (2), said device (6) comprising at least one detergent tank (7), said at least one tank (7) being rotatably mounted in said detergent dispensing device (6); following the rotation of said at least one tank (7) from a first detergent filling position to a second detergent emptying position in the washing tank (3), and during the rotational driving of the drum at a speed orbiting the water contained in said tank (3), the water contained in said tank (3) is driven in the direction of at least one opening (21) of said at least one tank (7) so as to clean the detergent storage area of said at least one tank (7).