Detergent Box Water Inlet Layout to Prevent Agent Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines with detergent boxes having separate compartments for different cleaning agents face issues with water supply efficiency and agent mixing during loading, particularly with the colliding water supply method where the softener compartment is often located in the middle, leading to undesired mixing of cleaning agents.
Innovation Solution
A flushing device is integrated into the detergent box with two angular water inlets that direct water to specific compartments, including an outer compartment at the edge for liquid agents, preventing mixing by using a third channel that collides water from both inlets and features a bridge and tunnels to ensure continuous flow and expanded cross-sectional areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the softener compartment is located in the middle of the detergent box with colliding water supply, then water supply efficiency is improved, but cleaning agents may mix during loading
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent box is divided into three separate compartments (first outer compartment, middle compartment, second outer compartment) with distinct water supply channels. Each compartment has its own dedicated water inlet channel, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining efficient water supply to all compartments simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
A bridge structure is introduced as an intermediary element that allows the third water channel to pass over the first and second channels without blocking them. This mediator enables the colliding water supply method to function while preventing cleaning agents in the middle compartment from mixing with agents in the outer compartments during the loading process.
2Productivity
If two separate water inlets are used for colliding water supply, then water can reach three compartments efficiently, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flushing device integrates multiple water channels (first, second, and third channels) into a single unified structure that receives water from two angularly disposed inlets. The channels are merged in such a way that water from both inlets collides and distributes to all three compartments through the integrated channel system, reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flushing device performs multiple functions: it receives water from two separate inlets, distributes water to three different compartments through integrated channels, and provides structural support with the bridge element. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate water supply mechanisms for each compartment.
3Productivity
If liquid cleaning agents are placed in the middle compartment, then they can be supplied efficiently, but they may slip into outer compartments during loading
Solution Approach 1:
Liquid cleaning agents are extracted from the middle compartment and relocated to the outer compartments (first or second outer compartment). This extraction eliminates the risk of liquid agents slipping into other compartments during loading, as the outer compartments are positioned at the edges with better containment and separate water supply channels.
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 effectively prevents mixing of cleaning agents during loading by directing liquid agents to an outer compartment, allowing for efficient distribution and increased capacity for powdered agents, enhancing the separation and distribution of cleaning agents within the washing machine.
Implementation Method 1
Water is supplied to the detergent box from the mains by means of valves
Implementation Method 2
water is directed to one outer compartment by means of the first channel, when water is taken only from the second water inlet, water is directed to the middle compartment by means of the second channel
Implementation Method 3
The flushing device comprises a bridge which is located on the third channel and which passes over the second channel. By means of the bridge, water flowing through the second channel and also through the third channel is provided to continue on its way in a continuous manner.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a detergent box (2) having at least two outer compartments (3, 103) wherein cleaning agents are placed and at least one middle compartment (4) located between the outer compartments (3, 103), wherein cleaning agents are placed, a flushing device (5) placed onto the detergent box (2), providing water to be directed into the detergent box (2), a lid (6) located on the flushing device (5), providing water taken from mains to pass to the flushing device (5), a first water inlet (7) located on the lid (6), transferring water taken thereby from mains to the flushing device (5) in an angular way and a second water inlet (8) located on the lid (6), transferring water taken thereby from mains to the flushing device (5) such as to block the water transferred from the first water inlet (7).