Washing Machine Detergent Supply Case with Light-Based Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing apparatuses lack an intuitive method to confirm the residual amount of detergent or softening agent in supply cases and to determine if the correct amount is being supplied based on laundry weight, making it difficult for users to manage and optimize detergent usage.
Innovation Solution
The washing apparatus includes a detergent supply case, a softening agent supply case, and a mixing tank, all mounted on the upper portion, with internal light sources and indicators to intuitively show residual amounts and supply confirmation, and a control method that determines and displays the necessary detergent or softening agent amount based on laundry weight, ensuring accurate and efficient supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the detergent supply case and mixing tank are mounted on the upper portion of the washing apparatus, then the residual amount of detergent can be intuitively confirmed and managed, but the device complexity increases due to additional mounting structures and internal light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent supply case and mixing tank are combined into a single integrated assembly mounted on the upper portion of the washing apparatus. This merging allows the user to view both the detergent reservoir and mixing process in one location, improving ease of operation for monitoring detergent levels while the integration actually reduces overall structural complexity compared to separate components.
2Loss of information
If internal light sources are installed in the detergent supply case and mixing tank, then the residual amount and supply process become visible and intuitive, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes light sources that illuminate the detergent supply case and mixing tank to enable visual observation of detergent levels and mixing processes. By making the internal components visible through strategic lighting, the system provides intuitive feedback to users about detergent residual amounts without requiring complex electronic sensors or displays, thus resolving the contradiction between information visibility and device complexity.
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 users to easily confirm and manage detergent and softening agent levels, optimizing usage and ensuring the right amount is supplied for each wash cycle, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light source may be provided inside the detergent supply case (or inside the softening agent supply case)
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a washing apparatus and a control method of the washing apparatus are disclosed. Especially, disclosed are a washing apparatus and a control method of the washing apparatus in which a detergent received in a detergent supply case capable of being inserted or separated is automatically supplied to a mixing tank or a softening agent received in a softening agent supply case capable of being inserted or separated is automatically supplied to the mixing tank. According to one embodiment of the washing apparatus and the control method thereof, the detergent automatically supplied from the detergent supply case capable of being inserted or separated and a washing water are mixed together and a detergent-mixed water is supplied to a washing tub, or the softening agent automatically supplied from the softening agent supply case capable of being inserted or separated and a washing water are mixed together and then a softening agent-mixed water is supplied to the washing tub.