Washing Machine Detergent Supply Device with Valve Clogging Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines with automatic detergent supply systems face issues with valve malfunctions due to dried and solidified liquid detergent residues, which can lead to operational failures.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine incorporates a detergent supply device with automatic and manual modes, featuring a detergent accommodation box with separate compartments for liquid and powdery detergents, valve units, and a cam-driven mechanism to manage detergent discharge, along with an automatic water supply guide to prevent valve clogging by spraying water through spray holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid detergent is supplied automatically through valve units, then detergent supply efficiency is improved, but valve malfunction occurs when detergent remains and dries and solidifies
Solution Approach 1:
Water is supplied to the valve units before the detergent supply cycle ends, performing a preliminary cleaning action that prevents detergent residue from drying and solidifying on the valves, thereby maintaining reliable operation while preserving automatic supply efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Water acts as an intermediary substance that flushes through the valve units, preventing direct contact between detergent residue and the valve surfaces, thereby preventing solidification and maintaining valve reliability during automatic detergent supply operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate compartments are provided for automatic and manual detergent supply, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent accommodation box is segmented into distinct compartments: an automatic detergent accommodation part with valve units for automated supply, and a manual detergent accommodation part for user-operated supply, allowing the system to support multiple supply methods while maintaining clear functional separation
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent supply device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both automatic and manual supply capabilities within a single integrated system, allowing users to select the appropriate method based on their needs without requiring separate devices
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 efficient detergent supply through both automatic and manual methods, preventing valve malfunctions by ensuring liquid detergents are not left to dry and solidify, thereby maintaining the washing machine's operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
spray holes to spray water toward the lower portions of the valve units and the cam
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine including a detergent supply device to supply a detergent together with water to a tub. The detergent supply device includes a detergent housing installed within the main body and a detergent accommodation box movably installed within the detergent housing, and the detergent accommodation box is divided into automatic detergent accommodation parts to accommodate a detergent to be supplied automatically and manual detergent accommodation parts to accommodate a detergent to be supplied manually, and the detergent supply device supplies the detergents through an automatic detergent supply method and a manual detergent supply method.