Washing agent pump and laundry treating apparatus having the same
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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 to prevent bubble interference, allowing accurate detection of washing agent levels without separate sensors in the storage container, facilitating easy access and refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate sensors are installed in the storage container to detect residual washing agent quantity, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to hindered container access and refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The residual quantity detection function is merged into the washing agent pump itself rather than using separate sensors in the storage container. The pump includes a residual quantity detecting unit with electrodes that directly detect the liquid level through the pump body, eliminating the need for separate detection devices and maintaining container accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
An air pocket is introduced as an intermediary medium between the washing agent liquid and the detection electrodes. The air pocket prevents bubble interference with the detection process while allowing the electrodes to accurately detect the liquid level through the pump structure, solving the detection accuracy problem without requiring direct contact sensors in the container.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are installed in the storage container to detect residual washing agent quantity, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is combined with the pump structure. The residual quantity detecting unit is integrated into the pump body, sharing the same housing and mechanical structure, which reduces the total number of components and simplifies the overall device while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing agent pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the delivery mechanism for the washing agent and as the detection device for residual quantity. The pump structure itself is utilized for detection purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection components.
3Quantity of substance
If bubbles are present in the washing agent supply passage, then fluid flow is affected, but measurement precision deteriorates due to incorrect detection readings
Solution Approach 1:
An air pocket is strategically positioned as an intermediary between the washing agent supply and the detection electrodes. This air pocket acts as a buffer that prevents bubbles from interfering with the electrical detection process, allowing accurate liquid level detection even when bubbles are present in the supply passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is extracted from the liquid flow path and placed in a position where it detects liquid level through the pump structure rather than directly in the flowing liquid. This separation removes the detection system from the harmful influence of bubbles and fluid turbulence.
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 reliable detection of washing agent levels, preventing incorrect readings from bubbles and allowing for efficient operation without separate detection units, enhancing user convenience and washing performance.
Implementation Method 1
an air pocket communicating with an intake-side passage or a discharge-side passage of the liquid washing agent of the cylinder and 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, so as to detect 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.