Washing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines lack an efficient and intuitive method for automatically or manually supplying detergents, with existing solutions not allowing for easy removal or direct discharge of detergent mixed water to the washing tub.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design featuring a removable detergent dispenser with a built-in pump system, where the detergent is mixed with water and directly discharged into the washing tub, allowing for automatic or manual operation and easy removal of the dispenser for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the detergent dispenser is made removable for easy maintenance, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent dispenser is designed as a separable component that can be removed from the washing machine body. The dispenser includes a container, pump, and coupling mechanism that allow it to be detached and reattached. This segmentation enables easy maintenance and cleaning of the dispenser without disassembling the entire washing machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump is integrated inside the detergent dispenser container, creating a nested structure where the pump housing is formed by the container walls. This nesting reduces the overall number of separate components and simplifies the coupling mechanism between the dispenser and the washing machine body.
2Ease of operation
If the detergent dispenser is positioned in the upper portion of the washing machine, then the ease of operation is improved for user access, but the length of the detergent supply path increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent is pre-mixed with water in the dispenser container before being supplied to the washing tub. This preliminary mixing action occurs at the upper portion location, allowing the detergent to be prepared in advance and then discharged directly, reducing the effective supply path length for the actual detergent delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump uses hydraulic principles to move the detergent solution from the upper dispenser location to the washing tub. The pump creates pressure to propel the detergent through the supply path, effectively compensating for the increased distance by using fluid pressure rather than gravity alone.
3Extent of automation
If automatic detergent supply is implemented using a pump, then the extent of automation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is integrated within the detergent dispenser assembly, merging the pumping function with the storage function. This combination reduces the number of separate mechanical components in the washing machine, as the pump becomes part of the removable dispenser unit rather than a fixed component in the main body.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump serves multiple functions: it stores detergent, mixes detergent with water, and supplies the mixed solution to the washing tub. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automation.
4Productivity
If the detergent dispenser allows direct discharge to the washing tub, then the productivity is improved by reducing transfer time, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism between the dispenser and the washing machine body is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing for automatic alignment during the coupling process. This dynamic adjustment compensates for manufacturing tolerances and ensures proper alignment of the discharge path with the washing tub opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed with self-aligning features that automatically position the discharge opening correctly when coupled to the washing machine body. The coupling mechanism includes guide elements and positioning features that ensure accurate alignment without requiring high-precision manual assembly.
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 intuitive checking of detergent levels, efficient detergent supply, and direct discharge of detergent mixed water, improving user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a detergent pump configured to supply the detergent to the detergent mixing tub by transmitting a driving force from a motor coupled to a door
Implementation Method 2
a detergent mixing tub in which a detergent is mixed with washing water
Implementation Method 3
capable of directly discharging detergent mixed water from a detergent mixing tub to a washing tub
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a washing machine and a control method thereof. More particularly, disclosed herein is a washing machine capable of automatically supplying detergents to a detergent mixing tub by using a detergent dispenser removably mounted to an upper portion of the washing machine. Disclosed herein is a washing machine capable of automatically supplying softening agents to a softening agent mixing tub by using a softening agent dispenser removably mounted to an upper portion of the washing machine. Some of embodiments provide a washing machine capable of automatically supplying detergents to a washing tub by using a pump coupled to a detergent dispenser mounted to an upper portion of the washing machine and the pump is operated by using a driving force of a motor coupled to a door. Some of embodiments provide a washing machine capable of automatically supplying softening agents to a washing tub by using a pump coupled to a softening agent dispenser mounted to an upper portion of the washing machine and the pump is operated by using a driving force of a motor coupled to a door.