Washer Flushing Unit for Residue-Free Cleaning Agent Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washers face challenges in efficiently mixing liquid cleaning agents into wash water without residue formation and clogging, as different types of cleaning agents can mix and precipitate, leading to inefficiencies and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A flushing unit positioned on the upper lid of the washer, comprising a water supply line, flushing receptacle, and flushing headpiece, which increases water speed and directs it to the tub for effective mixing, while a barrier separates holes to prevent agent mixing and chambers at the hose inlets prevent drying and clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If cleaning agents are transferred through hoses and mixed in the housing, then dosing automation is achieved, but residues form on the housing base and mixing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flushing unit is extracted as a separate component from the housing, positioned on the upper lid to flush cleaning agents directly into the tub. This separates the mixing function from the housing base, preventing residue formation while maintaining automated dosing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flushing unit acts as an intermediary between the housing and the tub, receiving cleaning agents from the housing and flushing them directly into the tub water. This mediator prevents direct contact between cleaning agents and the housing base, eliminating residue accumulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different cleaning agents are transferred into the housing, then multiple functions are achieved, but precipitation and clogging occur when agents mix
Solution Approach 1:
The housing base is segmented into multiple separate holes positioned at different locations, with each hole dedicated to a specific cleaning agent type. This spatial segmentation prevents different cleaning agents from mixing at the base level, eliminating precipitation and clogging issues while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Each hole in the housing base is assigned a specific location and function for a particular cleaning agent type. This local specialization ensures that cleaning agents are delivered to specific zones without mixing, maintaining both versatility and reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If the liquid transfer mechanism is positioned between dispenser and housing, then compact design is achieved, but cleaning agent residues accumulate on the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The flushing unit performs preliminary cleaning action on the liquid transfer mechanism by spraying water onto it during the flushing operation. This preliminary cleaning prevents residue accumulation before the mechanism is next used, maintaining compact design without sacrificing cleanliness.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid transfer mechanism is cleaned by the flushing unit using water from the same flushing operation. The system serves itself by using the flushing water to clean the transfer mechanism, eliminating residue accumulation without requiring separate cleaning systems.
4Productivity
If flushing water is sprayed from above, then flushing efficiency is improved, but water may leak into the dispenser
Solution Approach 1:
The flushing headpiece is positioned asymmetrically relative to the dispenser, with the spray direction angled to miss the dispenser opening. This asymmetric positioning maintains high flushing efficiency while preventing water from entering the dispenser and wasting cleaning agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray water is directed to specific local zones on the housing base and transfer mechanism, concentrating the flushing action where needed while avoiding the dispenser area. This localized quality control ensures efficient flushing without contaminating the dispenser.
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
Ensures efficient mixing of cleaning agents into wash water, prevents residue formation, maintains cleanliness, and reduces odors and mold, enhancing user experience by ensuring effective flushing and dosing unit operation.
Implementation Method 1
The flushing headpiece is positioned at the lower side of the flushing receptacle and sprays the water filling into the flushing receptacle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a washer (1 ) comprising a body (2), a tub (3) that is disposed within the body (2) and wherein the washing/drying processes are performed, a housing (4) that extends from the outer surface of the body (2) to the interior of the body (2), a housing upper lid (5) that closes over the housing (4), a dispenser (6) that is disposed inside the housing (4) and that has more than one division (7, 107) wherein the cleaning agents are stored, a dosing unit (8) adjacent to the housing (4) with flow connection between the housing (4) and itself, that doses the liquid cleaning agents put into the dispenser (6), and at least one liquid transfer mechanism (9) that is disposed between the dispenser (6) and the dosing unit (8) and that provides flow between the dispenser (6) and the dosing unit (8).