Water-Flow-Driven Detergent Dispenser for Low-Cost Washing Machines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines with automatic detergent dispensing systems are costly due to the use of high-cost power devices like motors.
Innovation Solution
A detergent dispenser system that utilizes the impact power of water flow to drive an impeller and cam mechanism, eliminating the need for a motor by using a controller to open and close branch pipes, allowing the impeller to rotate and drive a piston to dispense detergent into the mixing chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor or power device is used to drive the detergent dispensing mechanism, then the dispensing function is reliable and automated, but the cost of the washing machine increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the washing machine's own water flow to drive the impeller and cam mechanism, eliminating the need for an external motor. The water flow from the washing machine's pump serves dual purposes: both for washing and for powering the detergent dispensing mechanism, achieving self-service operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic principles by using water flow to rotate the impeller, which in turn drives the cam mechanism and piston. The water pressure and flow dynamics are utilized to convert linear water motion into rotational cam motion, enabling motor-free automated dispensing
2Productivity
If a motor is used to drive the cam and piston mechanism, then the detergent dispensing is precise and controlled, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static motor-driven operation to dynamic water-flow-driven operation. The cam mechanism dynamically responds to water flow variations, automatically adjusting the piston motion to match the available water pressure and flow rate, maintaining dispensing efficiency without complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the water supply function with the power transmission function. The same water flow that supplies the washing machine also powers the detergent dispensing mechanism, combining multiple functions into a unified system that reduces overall 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
Enables automatic detergent dispensing at a lower cost without the need for high-cost power devices, ensuring efficient and cost-effective operation.
Implementation Method 1
the impeller is adapted for driving the first cam to rotate in the first direction under the impact power of water flow in the first branch pipe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A washing machine (100) includes a controller, a mixing chamber (10), and a detergent dispenser (20). The detergent dispenser (20) includes a first branch pipe (201), a first cam (203), an impeller (204), a first piston chamber, a first piston (206), and a first liquid box (207). The controller is suitable for controlling the first branch pipe (201) to be opened to admit water or closed. A plurality of first pawls (211) enable the first cam (203) to rotate in a first direction. The impeller (204) is suitable for driving the first cam (203) to rotate in the first direction. The first piston (206) reciprocates in the first piston chamber, to draw a first liquid in the first liquid box (207) into the first piston chamber, and squeeze the first liquid drawn into the first piston chamber into the mixing chamber (10). By means of the foregoing solutions, an inexpensive washing machine (100) that automatically dispenses detergent can be provided.