Washing Agent Pump with Electrode-Based Residual Quantity Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting the residual quantity of liquid washing agents, leading to inconvenience in refilling and potential improper washing due to incorrect detection caused by bubbles and deviations in supply quantity.
Innovation Solution
A washing agent pump with a residual quantity detecting unit that includes an air pocket communicating with the intake or discharge passage of the liquid washing agent, featuring electrodes to contact the agent and prevent bubble-induced incorrect detection, allowing the storage container to be drawn out without a separate detecting unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is installed in the detergent container to detect residual quantity, then detection accuracy is improved, but the container becomes difficult to draw out and refill
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two parts: the sensor remains fixed in the washing machine body, while the storage container is separate and removable. The sensor detects the position of the container or presence of detergent without being attached to it, allowing the container to be freely removed and refilled while maintaining detection capability.
2Reliability
If a residual quantity detection system is added to the washing machine, then washing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system utilizes the existing electrical characteristics of the detergent container and detergent itself. The sensor detects residual quantity by measuring changes in electrical properties (such as capacitance or conductivity) that occur naturally as the detergent level changes, without requiring additional active components in the container or complex processing systems.
3Productivity
If bubbles are present in the liquid washing agent flow, then supply continuity is maintained, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to incorrect readings
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system uses an intermediary measurement approach by detecting electrical properties (capacitance, conductivity) rather than directly measuring liquid level or volume. This intermediary measurement method is not affected by bubbles in the liquid, as the electrical field penetrates through bubbles to detect the actual detergent presence and quantity accurately.
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 enables accurate detection of the liquid washing agent's residual quantity, preventing incorrect readings from bubbles and ensuring reliable supply, facilitating easy refilling and maintaining proper washing performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode sensor disposed at a side wall of piping, which is located in the vicinity of the lowest point of the circulation channel, for detecting the electroconductivity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing agent pump and a laundry treating apparatus having the same. The laundry treating apparatus according to the present invention includes 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 comprising a storage container storing therein a liquid washing agent including liquid detergent or liquid softener and drawn out of the cabinet, a washing agent supply passage having one side connected to the storage container and another side connected to the tub, and washing agent delivery means provided in the washing agent supply passage to deliver the liquid washing agent, whereby separation and coupling of the storage container can be facilitated even without installing a residual quantity detecting member at the storage container.