Washing agent pump and laundry treating apparatus having the same
Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting the residual quantity of liquid washing agents, leading to frequent checks and potential improper washing due to interference from installed sensors, which hinder detergent container access and refilling.
Innovation Solution
A washing agent pump with a residual quantity detecting unit featuring an air pocket and electrodes, integrated into the washing agent supply system, prevents incorrect detection by storing air and accommodating the liquid washing agent, ensuring accurate detection without separate sensors in the detergent container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate sensors are installed in the detergent container to detect residual quantity, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to interference with container access and refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the residual quantity detection function into the washing agent pump itself by integrating a detection unit within the pump structure. This allows the pump to detect residual quantity internally without requiring separate sensors in the detergent container, thereby maintaining ease of container access and refilling while achieving accurate detection through the integrated pump-based detection system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an air pocket as an intermediary element within the detection unit. The air pocket serves as a mediator that prevents direct contact between bubbles and the detection electrodes, eliminating interference from bubbles while enabling accurate residual quantity detection through the liquid washing agent level in the air pocket
2Measurement precision
If separate sensors are installed in the detergent container, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (washing agent delivery and residual quantity detection) into a single integrated pump unit. The detection unit is incorporated within the pump structure, sharing components and space, which reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate sensors in the detergent container while maintaining accurate detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The washing agent pump is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a delivery mechanism for the liquid washing agent and as a detection unit for residual quantity measurement. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors, reducing device complexity while achieving accurate detection through the integrated multi-functional pump
3Quantity of substance
If bubbles are present in the detection system, then liquid washing agent flow is affected, but measurement precision deteriorates due to incorrect detection readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air pocket as an intermediary layer between the bubbles and the detection electrodes. The air pocket allows bubbles to pass through harmlessly while preventing them from interfering with the electrical detection process, thereby maintaining accurate residual quantity detection despite the presence of bubbles in the liquid washing agent flow
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit is segmented into distinct functional zones: an air pocket region for bubble separation and a detection region for accurate measurement. This segmentation allows bubbles to be isolated in the air pocket while the detection electrodes measure only the liquid washing agent level, preventing bubble interference and ensuring measurement precision
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
Facilitates accurate detection of washing agent residuals, preventing incorrect readings caused by bubbles and allowing for reliable operation without separate detection means, enhancing user convenience and washing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a residual quantity detecting unit provided with an air pocket communicating with an intake-side passage or a discharge-side passage of the liquid washing agent of the cylinder and temporarily accommodating therein air and the liquid washing agent
Implementation Method 2
electrodes disposed within the air pocket to be contactable with the liquid washing agent, the residual quantity detecting unit detecting the residual quantity of the liquid washing agent
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a washing agent pump and a laundry treating apparatus having the same. The laundry treating apparatus may include a cabinet, a tub provided within the cabinet, a rotary tub provided within the tub in a rotatable manner, and a washing agent supply unit. The washing agent supply unit may include a storage container to store a liquid washing agent including a liquid detergent or a liquid softener, the storage container being slidably provided in the cabinet, a washing agent supply passage having one side connected to the storage container and another side connected to the tub, and a washing agent delivery device provided in the washing agent supply passage to deliver the liquid washing agent to the tub.