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 within the washing agent supply passage, preventing bubble interference and allowing accurate detection of washing agent levels without separate sensors in the storage container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If 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 interference with container access and refilling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresidual quantity detection accuracyVSAvoiddetergent container access and refilling

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detection function is extracted from the storage container and relocated to the washing agent supply passage. The residual quantity detecting unit is installed in the supply passage where liquid washing agent flows, separate from the storage container. This allows the storage container to remain simple and easily accessible for refilling, while detection accuracy is maintained through the separate detection system in the supply passage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid washing agent itself serves as an intermediary medium for detection. Instead of installing sensors in the storage container, the patent uses the flowing liquid washing agent in the supply passage as the medium through which detection occurs. The residual quantity detecting unit detects the presence and quantity of washing agent through this intermediary flow, eliminating the need for direct sensor installation in the container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 and installation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresidual quantity detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor installation and system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is extracted from the storage container structure and relocated to the washing agent supply passage. This separation simplifies the storage container design while maintaining detection functionality in the supply passage, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The flowing liquid washing agent in the supply passage serves the dual purpose of both delivering detergent and enabling detection. The system uses the natural flow and presence of the washing agent itself for detection purposes, eliminating the need for separate sensor installation mechanisms in the storage container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If separate sensors are installed in the storage container, then residual quantity detection is possible, but ease of operation worsens due to hindered container access and refilling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing agent level detectionVSAvoidcontainer access and refilling convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detection function is completely extracted from the storage container and placed in the supply passage. This allows the storage container to be accessed and refilled without any obstruction from detection sensors, while the supply passage continues to provide accurate residual quantity detection through its separate detection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables reliable detection of washing agent levels, preventing incorrect readings and facilitating easy access and refilling of the detergent container, ensuring proper washing operations.

Implementation Method 1

an air pocket communicating with the passage and temporarily accommodating air and the liquid washing agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pocket: Bubble

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical detection: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11339521B2Washing agent pump and laundry treating apparatus having the same

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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.