Water-Driven Hydraulic Pump for Electrical-Free Detergent Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic liquid detergent dosing systems in washing machines require multiple electrical connections, making them difficult to maintain and increasing production costs, while also lacking precise dosing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a hydraulic pump driven by water pressure, utilizing a gear pump mechanism and an impeller to dose liquid detergent and softener without electrical energy, featuring a control unit to regulate valve operation for precise dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical hydraulic dosing pumps are used, then dosing function is achieved, but cable connections are required increasing complexity and production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the electrical components (motor and cable connections) from the hydraulic dosing pump system, replacing them with a purely mechanical water-driven pump mechanism. This eliminates the maintenance issues associated with electrical connections while preserving the dosing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system is designed to be self-driven by the water flow itself, which automatically activates the pump mechanism without requiring external electrical power. The water pressure and flow rate self-regulate the pumping action, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating electrical infrastructure requirements.
2Productivity
If electrical hydraulic dosing pumps are used, then dosing function is achieved, but production costs increase due to additional cable connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes electrical components from the dosing system, eliminating the need for cable connections and associated manufacturing costs. The mechanical water-driven pump replaces the electrical hydraulic pump, simplifying the bill of materials and reducing production expenses.
3Device complexity
If water-driven mechanical pump is used, then electrical connections are eliminated, but precise dosing control must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control unit that monitors and regulates the water flow to the pump, ensuring precise dosing control. The feedback mechanism adjusts the water pressure and flow rate to maintain accurate dosing measurements despite the mechanical nature of the pump system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls dosing precision by adjusting water flow parameters (pressure, flow rate, and timing) to match the required dosing specifications. The mechanical pump's performance is optimized by varying these hydraulic parameters to achieve the desired dosing accuracy.
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
Eliminates the need for electrical connections, reduces production costs, and ensures precise dosing of liquid detergents and softeners based on the washing program, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller that rotates with the dynamic pressure of the water coming from said dosing water inlet and enables the hydraulic pump to be driven by means of the hydraulic energy of the water by transferring the rotation movement to the hydraulic pump
Implementation Method 2
the hydraulic pump is a gear pump and consists of a drive gear and a driven gear. The impeller that rotates with the effect of water rotates the drive gear around the same axis as that of the former by means of a shaft and transfers the movement to the driven gear
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an automatic liquid detergent dosing unit (1) that is suitable for use in a washing machines (7) comprising a tub (2) wherein the washing-drying processes are performed; a drum that rotates in the tub (2) and wherein the laundry is placed; a detergent dispenser (4) that has at least two receptacles (3) wherein the liquid detergent or the softener is stored, and a housing (6) wherein the detergent dispenser (4) is placed and that has a tub outlet (5) enabling the liquid detergent or the softener that is dosed and accumulated on the base thereof to be transferred to the tub (2) by being swept by means of the water, the automatic liquid detergent dosing unit (1) comprising a hydraulic pump (8) that enables the liquid materials stored in the detergent dispenser (4) to be dosed in order to be transferred in predetermined amounts to the washing environment in the tub (2) for the purposes of main washing and rinsing.