Washing Machine Detergent Supply Device to Prevent Valve Clogging
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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 inefficiencies and malfunctions in detergent distribution.
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 system to prevent valve clogging by spraying water and mixing it with detergents before dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid detergent is supplied automatically through valve units, then detergent distribution efficiency is improved, but valve malfunction occurs when liquid detergent dries and solidifies on the valves
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by supplying water to the valve units before detergent discharge and providing heating elements to prevent detergent from drying and solidifying on the valves during operation, thereby maintaining valve reliability while enabling automatic detergent distribution
Solution Approach 2:
Water is introduced as an intermediary substance to the valve units to prevent liquid detergent from drying and solidifying on the valve surfaces, thereby maintaining valve operation reliability while preserving automatic detergent distribution efficiency
2Ease of operation
If separate compartments are provided for automatic and manual detergent accommodation, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent supply device is segmented into separate compartments: an automatic detergent accommodation box with valve units for automated dispensing, and a manual detergent compartment for user-controlled addition, thereby providing user convenience through functional separation while managing device complexity through modular design
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 and reliable detergent distribution through both automatic and manual modes, preventing valve malfunctions by ensuring liquid detergents are properly mixed with water before use, thus maintaining the washing machine's performance and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an automatic water supply guide to guide water to the lower portions of the valve units, and spray holes to spray water toward the lower portions of the valve units and the cams
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.