Detergent Reservoir Cap Structure for Leak-Safe Washer Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating apparatuses face challenges in improving usability of detergent storage, usage efficiency of detergent feeders, convenient handling of detergent reservoir caps, and preventing unintentional detergent leakage.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a gripping portion on the cap member of the detergent reservoir with a flange portion extended for ease of use, an engaging portion with a rib to prevent interference, and a ventilation hole for communication between the interior and exterior of the detergent reservoir, along with a sensor terminal and detergent valve arrangement to enhance detergent management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cap member is designed without a gripping portion, then the structure is simpler, but the ease of operation for separating the cap member deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cap member is segmented into a main body and a separate gripping portion (flange portion). This segmentation allows the gripping portion to be optimized for user interaction without complicating the sealing function of the main cap body. The flange portion extends outward to provide a dedicated gripping area, making separation easier while keeping the overall structure modular and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping portion acts as an intermediary element between the user's hand and the cap member body. It provides a comfortable interface for gripping and manipulation, transferring the user's force to the cap member without requiring direct contact with the main sealing structure. This intermediary design improves ease of operation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the flange portion is extended longer to improve gripping, then the ease of operation improves, but auxiliary detergent may overflow to the front face
Solution Approach 1:
The flange portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the main axis of the detergent reservoir, creating an additional dimensional space for gripping. This lateral extension provides a comfortable gripping surface without increasing the length along the axis where detergent overflow could occur. By utilizing a different spatial dimension for the gripping function, the design achieves ease of operation without compromising containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange portion is designed with specific local characteristics - it extends only in certain areas where gripping is needed, while maintaining a compact profile in directions where detergent containment is critical. This localized extension provides the necessary gripping surface area without creating a structure that would interfere with detergent containment or cause overflow to the front face.
3Ease of operation
If the storage is made retractable for better usability, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of preventing detergent leakage may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is designed with dynamic retraction capability, allowing it to move between extended and retracted positions. The cap member includes sealing structures that maintain their sealing function throughout the retraction motion. The flange portion and cap design ensure that detergent is contained securely whether the storage is extended for access or retracted for protection, thus maintaining reliability during dynamic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap member and sealing structures are designed to prevent detergent leakage before it can occur during retraction. The sealing elements are positioned and configured to maintain contact and prevent leaks throughout the retraction process, providing proactive protection against leakage rather than reactive measures after leakage begins.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a laundry treating apparatus. The laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet (10), a tub (20), a drum (30), and storage unit (310). The storage unit includes a storage frame (390), a detergent reservoir (310), and an auxiliary detergent container (340). The detergent reservoir includes a casing having an open top face and storing detergent therein, and a cap member (330) detachably coupled to the top face of the casing. The cap member includes a gripping portion (332) extending toward the auxiliary detergent container and positioned on an open top face of the auxiliary detergent container.