Laundry treating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating apparatuses face issues with detergent adhesion in the detergent dispenser, leading to flow interference and user dissatisfaction due to residual detergent and foreign substances.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features an improved flow path structure in the detergent dispenser, including vertical and inclined flow paths, guide ribs, and dispersion ribs to guide wash water effectively, preventing detergent adhesion and ensuring smooth flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If detergent is stored in the dispenser tray for long-term use, then the detergent supply function is maintained, but detergent adheres to the flow path and dispenser interior surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is designed with curved surfaces instead of flat surfaces. The bottom surface of the dispenser tray includes a curved flow path that guides detergent and water flow smoothly toward the discharge hole, preventing detergent from adhering to flat surfaces during long-term storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path structure utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with vertical and horizontal components. The flow path extends from the rear wall toward the front discharge hole, utilizing the depth dimension of the dispenser tray to create a continuous flow path that prevents detergent accumulation.
2Productivity
If detergent and wash water flow through the dispenser, then the detergent supply function is achieved, but foreign substances such as lint and dust adhere to the flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The curved flow path surfaces prevent foreign substances like lint and dust from adhering during detergent and water flow. The smooth curved geometry eliminates flat surfaces where foreign substances could accumulate, maintaining flow efficiency over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path design converts the potential harm of foreign substance accumulation into a beneficial self-cleaning effect. The curved geometry and flow direction ensure that water and detergent flow continuously along the entire flow path, preventing foreign substances from settling and creating a self-cleaning effect during normal operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the dispenser structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but detergent adhesion cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The curved flow path is integrated directly into the bottom surface of the dispenser tray as a continuous molded feature rather than a separate component. This approach prevents detergent adhesion through geometric design while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as the curved surface can be formed in a single molding process.
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 improved flow path structure prevents detergent adhesion, allowing for smooth wash water and detergent flow, enhancing user satisfaction and maintaining the dispenser's cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
a front flow path for diffusing wash water supplied from the front supply flow path of the dispenser housing on a front portion of the bottom surface of the dispenser housing to be guided to the discharge hole
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a tub, a drum, and a rotation shaft extending in a front-rear direction, and a detergent dispenser configured to be inserted into and withdrawn from the cabinet. The detergent dispenser includes a dispenser tray, a dispenser housing accommodating the dispenser tray, and a dispenser cover seated on the dispenser housing and configured to supply wash water to the dispenser tray or the dispenser housing. The dispenser cover has a front supply flow path configured to supply the wash water to a front portion of the dispenser housing, and the dispenser housing has a front flow path configured to diffuse the wash water supplied from the front supply flow path. The front flow path is defined at a front portion of a bottom surface of the dispenser housing and configured to guide the wash water to a discharge hole defined at the bottom surface.