Washing machine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face challenges in precisely detecting the residual amount of detergent regardless of the installation environment and cartridge properties or size, leading to potential misjudgments and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The washing machine employs a detergent supply device with multiple electrode sensors and a pump system, where electrode plates with varying heights and shapes contact the detergent, generating an electric signal to accurately detect the residual amount, simplifying the detection process and reducing the risk of detergent hardening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light penetration method is used to detect detergent residual amount, then detection function is provided, but detection precision deteriorates due to variable electric signals from different detergent types and cartridge properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical detection system (light source and light receiver) with an electrical detection system using electrode sensors. The electrode sensors directly measure electrical properties (conductivity, impedance) of the detergent solution, which are more stable and less affected by external factors like light scattering from different cartridge materials or detergent types, thereby improving both precision and reliability of detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrode sensors as an intermediary between the detection system and the detergent. Instead of using light that interacts complexly with various materials, the electrode sensors provide a direct electrical measurement interface with the detergent solution, eliminating the need for optical components and reducing detection errors caused by material variations
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrode sensors with varying heights and shapes are used, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple electrode sensors positioned at different heights within the cartridge, each detecting detergent levels at specific zones. This segmentation allows comprehensive monitoring of detergent residual amount throughout the cartridge volume, improving detection precision by capturing spatial variations in detergent distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection approach to a multi-dimensional detection system by placing electrode sensors at various heights and positions within the cartridge. This spatial distribution creates a three-dimensional detection network that accurately maps detergent levels throughout the cartridge, significantly improving measurement precision
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 precise detection of detergent levels, reducing misjudgments and simplifying the operation, while minimizing the chance of detergent hardening on the terminals, thus ensuring accurate supply and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of electrode sensors comprises an electrode plate detecting electric signal and a terminal transmitting the electric signal detected by the electrode plate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
According to the present disclosure, a washing machine may comprise a cabinet, a tub disposed in the cabinet to receive water, a drum rotatably disposed in the tub to contain a laundry and a detergent supply device disposed at the cabinet to supply detergent into the tub, wherein the detergent supply device comprises a plurality of cartridges containing detergent, a pump suctioning detergent from the plurality of cartridges, a passage guiding detergent discharged from the pump into the tub and a plurality of electrode sensors disposed at a side of the plurality of cartridges, wherein each of the plurality of electrode sensors comprises an electrode plate detecting electric signal and a terminal transmitting the electric signal detected by the electrode plate, wherein the electrode plate has a first surface contacted with detergent contained in the cartridge and a second surface connected to the terminal.