Washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines lack an efficient and easily removable system for automatically or manually supplying detergents and softening agents directly to the washing tub, which can lead to inconvenience and inefficiency in detergent management.
Innovation Solution
A detergent supply unit with a removable detergent dispenser, a pump system, and a driver mechanism that uses a motor-driven rotary cam to perform a reciprocating motion, allowing for direct discharge of detergent or softening agent mixed water into the washing tub, enabling easy installation and removal of dispensers and intuitive monitoring of detergent levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a detergent supply unit with pump mechanism is installed in the washing machine, then automatic detergent supply capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism is integrated within the detergent dispenser assembly, merging the detergent storage function with the pumping function into a single unit. This reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system structure while maintaining automatic detergent supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent dispenser is designed to serve multiple functions: storing detergent, pumping detergent, and providing visual indication of detergent levels. The transparent or translucent material allows the dispenser to simultaneously act as both a functional component and an indication device, reducing the need for separate monitoring systems.
2Loss of information
If the detergent dispenser is made transparent or translucent to show remaining amount, then visibility of detergent level is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The material transparency parameter is changed to allow visual penetration. By selecting transparent or translucent materials for the detergent dispenser, the system enables users to visually monitor detergent levels without adding complex electronic sensors or indicators, thus solving the information visibility issue with a simple material property change.
3Ease of operation
If the pump handle is positioned outside the detergent dispenser for easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism is segmented into two parts: the pump body integrated within the detergent dispenser and the pump handle extending outward. This segmentation allows the handle to be positioned outside for easy user access and operation, while the main pumping mechanism remains compact within the dispenser assembly, minimizing overall complexity.
4Productivity
If the distance between detergent dispenser and mixing tub is reduced for efficient supply, then productivity is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent supply system incorporates flexible hoses and adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the connection between the pump and mixing tub to be dynamically adjusted. This enables efficient detergent supply over variable distances and accommodates different washing machine configurations, maintaining both productivity and adaptability.
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 allows for easy and efficient automatic or manual supply of detergents and softening agents, reducing the distance between the dispenser and mixing tub, enabling direct discharge, and providing users with clear visibility of remaining detergent or softening agent amounts, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a driver coupled to a door and configured to transmit a driving force driving the pump, and the pump includes a pump handle configured to perform a reciprocating motion by the driving force
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine capable of automatically supplying detergents to a detergent mixing tub uses a detergent dispenser removably mounted to an upper portion of the washing machine. A washing machine capable of automatically supplying softening agents to a softening agent mixing tub uses a softening agent dispenser removably mounted to an upper portion of the washing machine. A washing machine capable of automatically supplying detergents to a washing tub uses 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. A washing machine capable of automatically supplying softening agents to a washing tub uses a pump coupled to a softening agent dispenser mounted to an upper portion of the washing machine and operated by using a driving force of a motor coupled to a door.