Detergent dispenser for a washing machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines face challenges with the design of detergent dispensers, which can be inconvenient for users to access and may lead to damage due to the weight of detergent containers, and restrict the front design of the washing machine.

Innovation Solution

A detergent dispenser is positioned above the tub with a dispenser cover that opens and closes, allowing easy access and featuring separate input holes for detergents and subsidiary detergents, integrated with the upper surface of the washing machine, and connected by a flow path unit to ensure efficient mixing and supply of wash water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the detergent dispenser is positioned on the front surface of the washing machine, then it is easily accessible for users, but it restricts the front design of the washing machine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of detergent dispenserVSAvoidfront design flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent dispenser is moved from the front surface to the upper surface of the washing machine, changing the spatial dimension of access. This allows the front surface to maintain design flexibility while the upper surface provides easy access to the detergent dispenser through the openable dispenser cover.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the detergent dispenser is positioned on the front surface, then it is easily accessible, but it may be damaged by the weight of detergent containers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of detergent dispenserVSAvoidstructural integrity of detergent dispenser
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Relocating the detergent dispenser to the upper surface distributes the load away from the front surface structure. The upper surface is better positioned to support the weight of detergent containers during loading, reducing structural stress and potential damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the detergent dispenser requires withdrawal in the forward direction, then detergents can be provided, but it restricts the front design and requires more space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetergent loading capabilityVSAvoidspatial requirements and design constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent dispenser is accessed by opening a cover on the upper surface rather than withdrawing the entire dispenser forward. This eliminates the need for forward withdrawal space and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining easy detergent loading capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the detergent dispenser is integrated into the upper surface with a dispenser cover, then design flexibility is improved and accessibility is enhanced, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibility of washing machineVSAvoidstructure of detergent dispenser system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent dispenser is integrated into the upper surface structure, merging the dispenser housing with the washing machine body. The dispenser cover opens to provide access, combining aesthetic integration with functional accessibility while avoiding separate complex mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9816218B2Detergent dispenser for a washing machine
Publication Date: 2017.11.14 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US9816218B2 patent drawing
  • US9816218B2 patent drawing
  • US9816218B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A washing machine includes a cabinet, a tub provided within the cabinet, a drum rotatably provided within the tub, an air supply device provided on the upper surface of the tub and circulating air to the center of the front portion of the tub, a detergent dispenser located above the front portion of the tub and separating a detergent part to input detergents and a subsidiary detergent part to input subsidiary detergents, and a dispenser cover opening and closing the upper surface of the detergent dispenser.