Detergent box assembly and washing device including detergent box assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detergent box assemblies in washing devices require manual operation for opening and closing, and are prone to slipping due to wobbling, which is inconvenient and unstable.

Innovation Solution

A detergent box assembly with a pushable box body, a motion subassembly that drives the box body to pop out, and a lock subassembly that includes a push rod, motion diverter, and lock pin, allowing for easy locking and unlocking by pushing, and automatic popping open, with a mechanism that prevents slipping during wobbling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation is required for opening or closing the detergent box, then the structure can be simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent box assembly performs opening and locking operations automatically without manual intervention. When the box body is pushed, the motion subassembly automatically drives the box body to pop out and the lock subassembly automatically locks or unlocks the box body, making the system serve itself rather than requiring user operation for each opening/closing cycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The motion subassembly stores energy in advance (likely through a spring mechanism) so that when triggered by pushing the box body, it can immediately drive the box body to pop out without requiring continuous manual force. The lock subassembly is also pre-positioned to engage or disengage based on the box body's movement state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the detergent box is designed to be manually operated, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability deteriorates due to slipping during wobbling

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock subassembly automatically locks the box body when it is in the closed state without requiring manual intervention. This self-locking mechanism ensures the box remains securely closed even when the washing device wobbles, eliminating the reliability issue of manual operation while maintaining a relatively simple structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The lock subassembly applies a preliminary locking action that prevents the box body from slipping during wobbling before the problem can occur. The lock pin is positioned to engage with the box body in advance, creating a preventive measure against the harmful effect of wobbling-induced slipping

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If automatic locking mechanism is added to prevent slipping, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motion subassembly and lock subassembly are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The motion diverter serves dual purposes: it redirects the pushing motion to drive the box body to pop out, and simultaneously triggers the lock pin to lock or unlock the box body. This combination eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms, improving reliability while controlling complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock pin serves multiple functions: it locks the box body to prevent slipping during washing, it engages/disengages based on the box body's position, and it works in conjunction with the motion diverter to provide automatic locking/unlocking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables easy, time-saving, and effort-saving operation of the detergent box, maintains stability by locking the box body when closed, and allows for automatic gentle opening, ensuring the box does not slip during wobbling.

Implementation Method 1

a first spring connected between the housing and the lock pin... By the effect of the first spring, the second end of the swing hook may stay at the first rest position or the second rest position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy storage and release: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3988705B1Detergent box assembly and washing device including detergent box assembly
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3988705B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3988705B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3988705B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a detergent box assembly (10) and a washing device including the detergent box assembly (10). The detergent box assembly (10) includes: a box body (100) adapted to be pushed, a motion subassembly (200) adapted to drive the box body (100) to pop out, and a lock subassembly (300) adapted to lock or unlock the box body (100). The lock subassembly (300) includes a push rod (310), a motion diverter (320) movably connected to the push rod (310), and a lock pin (330) movably connected to the motion diverter (320). The push rod (310) is adapted to move with the box body (100) when the box body (100) is pushed along a first direction (M1), and during moving, to push the motion diverter (320) to rotate, thereby driving the lock pin (330) to move to lock or unlock the box body (100).