Washing machine fluid additive dispensing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine systems are limited in their ability to store and dispense sufficient volumes of fluid additives without increasing the bulk or space requirements of the appliance.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design that includes a bulk tank for storing fluid additives and a dispensing pump to deliver them to a dispenser box, which mixes the additives with water before directing the wash fluid to the wash tub, allowing for efficient and convenient use of additives across multiple loads without manual addition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reservoir is included to store fluid additives for multiple loads, then convenience is improved and manual addition is eliminated, but the volume and bulk of the appliance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing pump assembly is nested within the reservoir structure, with the pump housing integrated into the reservoir walls. This nesting allows the pump components to occupy space that would otherwise be empty or wasted in the reservoir structure, thereby reducing the overall volume required for the additive storage system while maintaining the ability to store sufficient additive for multiple loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir is designed with a vertical orientation and utilizes the vertical dimension extensively, extending upward from the base of the washing machine. By optimizing the vertical space utilization and creating a tall, narrow profile rather than a short, wide one, the system achieves high storage capacity without excessive horizontal footprint, thus reducing the overall bulk appearance of the appliance.
2Quantity of substance
If a bulk tank is mounted within the cabinet, then storage capacity is improved, but space for other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The internal structure of the reservoir is segmented into multiple functional zones: an upper storage chamber for holding additive, a middle section containing the pump mechanism, and a lower discharge chamber. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while efficiently utilizing the total available space within the cabinet, maximizing storage volume without encroaching on other component areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir walls are designed with varying thicknesses and densities at different locations - thicker and more structurally robust at the base and connection points, and thinner at the upper storage portions. This local quality variation optimizes the structural integrity where needed while minimizing material usage and maximizing internal storage volume in other areas, thereby increasing additive storage capacity without proportionally increasing the external dimensions that would conflict with other components.
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 enables increased storage capacity for fluid additives while maintaining a compact appliance design, providing convenience and efficiency in laundry operations by automating the dispensing process.
Implementation Method 1
a dispensing pump spaced apart from the bulk tank and in fluid communication with the bulk tank. The dispensing pump is operable to draw a liquid additive from the bulk tank.
Implementation Method 2
The dispenser box receives the liquid additive from the bulk tank via the dispensing pump and the liquid additive flows to the wash tub from the dispenser box.
Implementation Method 3
the liquid additive flows to the wash tub from the dispenser box
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance defines a mutually perpendicular vertical direction, lateral direction, and transverse direction. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet and a top cover. A wash tub is mounted within the cabinet and a wash basket is mounted rotatably within the wash tub. The wash basket is accessible through an opening in the top cover. A bulk tank is mounted inside the top cover. The washing machine appliance further includes a dispensing pump spaced apart from the bulk tank and in fluid communication with the bulk tank. The dispensing pump is operable to draw a liquid additive from the bulk tank. The washing machine appliance also includes a dispenser box downstream of the dispensing pump and upstream of the wash tub.