Automatic detergent supply apparatus and washing machine having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional detergent supply systems in washing machines are cumbersome, with detergent boxes often located at the top, making them difficult to operate and having a poor external shape, which detracts from usability and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A detergent supply apparatus is integrated into the washing machine with a detergent box located on the bottom, featuring a retractable design and a pump system for automatic detergent and fabric softener dispensing, enhancing usability and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the detergent box is located at the top of the body, then the detergent supply apparatus is easily accessible, but the external shape becomes poor and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent box is inverted from the conventional top location to the bottom location within the door guide. This inversion resolves the contradiction by placing the detergent box at the bottom where it does not compromise the external shape, while still being accessible through the door guide opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent box is moved from a vertical top position to a horizontal bottom position within the door guide structure. This dimensional repositioning allows the detergent box to be accessible through the door guide while maintaining a clean external shape without protruding elements at the top.
2Ease of operation
If the detergent box is made withdrawable, then usability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent box is segmented as a separate withdrawable component from the main body, allowing it to be independently removed through the door guide. This segmentation provides ease of operation while keeping the withdrawal mechanism simple rather than complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent box is extracted as a removable element from the door guide structure. This extraction allows users to easily withdraw the detergent box for refilling or replacement without complicating the overall structure, as the door guide simply provides the withdrawal path.
3Extent of automation
If a pump system is added for automatic detergent supply, then automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system enables the detergent supply apparatus to automatically dispense detergent without user intervention. The system self-regulates the detergent flow from the withdrawable box through the pump mechanism, achieving automation while keeping the added complexity minimal through integrated 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
The solution improves usability by allowing one-touch detergent box withdrawal and automatic detergent supply, enhancing the machine's external design and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a detergent supply pump provided to discharge a detergent in the detergent box
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a washing machine capable of improving an external shape by locating a detergent supply apparatus on a bottom inside a body. The washing machine includes a body with an opening portion formed in a front surface thereof, a door provided to open and close the opening portion of the body, a door guide provided on the opening portion, and a detergent supply apparatus which includes a detergent box provided on a bottom of the door guide to be withdrawable toward a center of the opening portion and a detergent supply pump provided to discharge a detergent in the detergent box.