Detergent Dispensing Cavity Design to Reduce Noise and Part Count

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detergent dispensing devices in drum washing machines are costly due to multiple parts, generate noise and vibration during operation, and affect the appearance of the washing machine with a drawer structure.

Innovation Solution

A detergent dispensing device with a dispensing cavity and panel-mounted dispensing opening, utilizing a water channel structure to dissolve detergent, which reduces parts and noise, and maintains a clean appearance by eliminating the need for a drawer mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a drawer structure is used for detergent dispensing, then the detergent can be dispensed and washed, but the device complexity and cost increase due to many parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoiddetergent dispensing function
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of detergent dispensing from the complex drawer structure. It keeps only the dispensing cavity and dispensing opening, removing unnecessary drawer components while maintaining the core functionality of detergent storage and dispensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a drawer that pulls out to access detergent, the patent inverts the approach by having the detergent container remain stationary with a dispensing opening that allows detergent to be added and dispensed in place, eliminating the need for pulling movements and associated mechanical parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a drawer structure with pulling mechanism is used, then detergent dispensing is achieved, but noise and vibration increase during washing machine operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise and vibrationVSAvoiddetergent addition and dispensing
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the pulling mechanism and drawer components that generate noise and vibration during washing machine operation. Only the stationary dispensing cavity and opening remain, eliminating the source of harmful vibrations while preserving detergent access functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Shape

If a drawer handle is positioned on the operation panel, then detergent dispensing is enabled, but the appearance of the washing machine is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveappearanceVSAvoiddetergent dispensing access
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the drawer handle from the operation panel, eliminating the visual impact on the washing machine's appearance. The dispensing opening is designed to allow detergent addition without requiring a visible handle or drawer structure on the panel surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 reduces costs, minimizes noise and vibration, and enhances the appearance of the washing machine by simplifying the dispensing process and structure.

Implementation Method 1

a water channel structure, the water channel structure is provided on the dispensing cavity to add water into the dispensing cavity to dissolve the detergent and release the detergent into a washing drum of the washing machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP3741903B1Detergent dispensing device, and washing machine
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP3741903B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3741903B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3741903B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention discloses a detergent dispensing device and a washing machine, and relates to the technical field of washing machines. The main technical solution is as follows: the detergent dispensing device includes a dispensing cavity, a panel, and a water channel structure, herein the dispensing cavity is placed in a washing machine to accommodate a detergent, and the dispensing cavity is provided with a first discharge opening. The panel is provided with a dispensing opening for dispensing the detergent into the dispensing cavity. The water channel structure is provided on the dispensing cavity to add water into the dispensing cavity to dissolve the detergent and release the detergent into a washing drum of the washing machine through the first discharge opening. Further provided is a washing machine including the detergent dispensing device. The present invention mainly provides a novel detergent dispensing device to reduce the number of parts and lower costs. The detergent dispensing device prevents the detergent dispensing device from vibrating during operation of the washing machine, thereby reducing noise.