Detergent Dispenser Cover Extensions for Easier Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing detergent dispensers in dishwashers often result in detergent spills when loading, making it difficult to close the dispenser cover due to the presence of detergent around the container perimeter, which hinders effective sealing and operation.
Innovation Solution
A detergent dispenser with a cover featuring extensions, such as bristles or plastic tabs, that clear detergent from the perimeter as the cover moves, facilitating easier closure by sweeping away spilled detergent and ensuring proper sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If detergent is poured into the container, then the container is filled with detergent, but detergent spills around the perimeter making it difficult to close the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful element (spilled detergent) from the closing path by introducing extensions that actively remove detergent from the perimeter area where the cover needs to seal. The extensions sweep or scrape detergent away from the sealing interface, preventing interference with the closing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The extensions perform a preliminary action by clearing detergent from the perimeter before the cover reaches the sealing position. This preliminary cleaning action prevents detergent from interfering with the seal, allowing the cover to close smoothly without resistance.
2Quantity of substance
If detergent spills around the container perimeter, then the container has excess detergent, but the cover cannot seal properly
Solution Approach 1:
The extensions extract detergent from the sealing interface area, removing the substance that prevents proper sealing. By actively clearing detergent from the perimeter and sealing path, the extensions ensure that the cover can make direct contact with the sealing surface without detergent interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The extensions act as an intermediary mechanism between the spilled detergent and the cover seal. Instead of allowing detergent to directly interfere with the seal, the extensions mediate by sweeping or scraping the detergent away, creating a clean sealing path while maintaining the detergent inside the container.
3Reliability
If the cover is closed over spilled detergent, then the container is sealed, but resistance prevents easy closure
Solution Approach 1:
The extensions perform a preliminary clearing action that removes detergent from the closing path before the cover needs to apply sealing force. This preliminary removal of obstacles allows the cover to close with minimal force, as there is no detergent resistance to overcome during the sealing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The extensions extract detergent from the area between the cover and the container rim, eliminating the source of resistance. By removing the detergent that would otherwise create friction and resistance, the extensions enable the cover to close easily while still achieving a reliable seal at the designated sealing interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A detergent dispenser for dispensing detergent in a domestic appliance, the detergent dispenser comprising a housing, a container defined in said housing and adapted to store detergent, a movable cover adapted to close and seal the container, and at least one extension depending from the cover, said at least one extension adapted to clear detergent from a perimeter of the container as the cover moves.