Detachable Washing Machine Drawer Outlet Channel for Easy Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flushing devices for washing machines have outlet channels that are difficult to clean due to being firmly attached, leading to contamination from deposits like fabric softener residues.

Innovation Solution

The outlet channel is designed as a separate, detachable component with a snap-in connection, allowing easy separation from the drawer for cleaning, and featuring a U-shaped profile bar for secure attachment and sealing, also serving as a drawer lock.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the outlet channel is firmly attached to the drawer by welding or film hinges, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of cleaning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet channel is separated from the drawer as an independent component that can be detached for cleaning. This segmentation allows the channel to be removed, cleaned separately, and reattached, solving the contradiction between structural stability during operation and ease of cleaning when maintenance is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the outlet channel and drawer is made dynamic through a snap-in connection that allows the channel to be easily attached and detached. This dynamic connection provides stability during normal operation while enabling easy removal for cleaning purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the outlet channel is firmly attached to the drawer, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By making the outlet channel a separate, detachable component rather than a permanently attached part, the design enables easy replacement if damaged. The snap-in connection allows the channel to be removed and replaced without special tools or complex procedures, while still providing reliable connection during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the outlet channel is integrated with the drawer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the accessibility for cleaning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrationVSAvoidaccessibility for cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet channel is designed as a separate component from the drawer, allowing it to be easily detached and cleaned. This segmentation increases accessibility for cleaning while maintaining relatively simple overall device complexity through the use of a straightforward snap-in connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enhances accessibility for cleaning, reduces maintenance costs by allowing replacement of individual parts, and prevents detergent leakage during operation.

Implementation Method 1

the outlet channel (9) is releasably attached to the underside of the drawer (4) by means of a snap-in connection (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSnap-in connection: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

the liquid detergent substance preferably taking place via a siphon (8) arranged in the chamber, which interacts with an outlet channel (9) arranged below the drawer (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSiphon: Syphon

Data Source

PatentEP2503049B1Feed-in device for a washing machine with a push-in drawer
Publication Date: 2013.05.08 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP2503049B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2503049B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2503049B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a flushing device (1) for a washing machine (2) with a drawer (4) arranged in a drawer (3) in which chambers (5.1, 5.2 and 5.3) are provided for storing liquid and/or powdered detergent, which can be removed by means of the flushing-in device (1) arranged above the drawer (4) by adding fresh water for the washing process, the chambers (5.1, 5.2 and 5.3) being arranged in the drawer (4) in such a way that the powdered detergent substance can be removed via openings (6) and (7) on the rear end walls of the chambers (5.1) and (5.2), the liquid detergent substance preferably being carried out via a siphon (8) which is arranged in the chamber (5.3) and which is connected to a siphon below the drawer (4 ) arranged outlet channel (9) cooperates. According to the invention, the outlet channel (9) is designed as a separate component, which is arranged below the drawer (4) and can be separated from the drawer (4) for cleaning.