Washing Machine Detergent Drawer With Replaceable Aid Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines with automatic detergent dispensing units require frequent and tedious refilling of reservoirs, leading to potential spills, encrustation, and maintenance issues, as well as limitations in swapping washing aids before the reservoir is completely empty.
Innovation Solution
A portable container system for reserve washing aids is integrated into the drawer, allowing for easy handling and replacement without direct contact, featuring an overridable latching mechanism, automatic coupling device, and optional fill level sensor and identification markers for enhanced automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a reservoir for liquid washing aids is provided in the washing machine, then automatic dosing is enabled, but the reservoir requires frequent refilling which is tedious and causes spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The washing aid supply system is segmented into a permanent reservoir and replaceable portable containers. The drawer is divided into compartments for different washing aids, with each compartment able to receive a separate portable container. This segmentation allows the reservoir to be refilled automatically from portable containers without manual intervention, eliminating the tedious refilling operation while maintaining automatic dosing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling device acts as an intermediary between the portable container and the reservoir. The coupling device includes a coupling element on the portable container and a corresponding receptacle in the drawer, enabling automatic connection and transfer of washing aid from the portable container to the reservoir. This intermediary mechanism automates the refilling process, preventing spillage and eliminating manual refilling operations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the filling opening of the reservoir is made small to prevent spillage, then spillage risk is reduced, but refilling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device serves as an intermediary that enables refilling through a small, precise opening. The coupling element on the portable container connects with the receptacle in the drawer, allowing washing aid to be transferred through a controlled, small opening that prevents spillage during the refilling operation. The intermediary mechanism ensures proper alignment and connection, making refilling easy despite the small opening size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service refilling where the portable container automatically connects to the reservoir through the coupling device. The user simply places the portable container in the drawer, and the coupling mechanism automatically establishes the connection and initiates the transfer of washing aid. This self-service operation eliminates the need for manual manipulation through a small opening, making refilling easy while maintaining spillage prevention.
3Ease of operation
If a portable container system is introduced, then handling and replacement of washing aids is simplified, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable container is designed as a universal component that can be used across different compartments and potentially different washing machines. The standardized container design with integrated coupling elements allows it to serve multiple functions: storing washing aid, automatically coupling to the reservoir, and enabling easy replacement. This universality simplifies handling and replacement operations while minimizing the increase in device complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device merges the portable container with the drawer system through a integrated coupling mechanism. The coupling element is built into the portable container, and the receptacle is integrated into the drawer structure, creating a unified system that simplifies the replacement operation. This merging reduces the number of separate components and interfaces, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving easy handling and replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatically controlled washing machine having a machine room in an upper part on a front side of the washing machine, wherein the washing machine includes a detergent dispensing unit, a drawer, and a portable storage container, all of which are arranged in the machine room. The drawer is accessible from the front side of the washing machine and has at least one compartment whose top is open for adding washing powder or washing liquid. A counter-latching device corresponds to an overridable latching device when the drawer is opened to fill the compartment with the washing powder or washing liquid. A receiving device receives a portable storage container behind the compartment of the drawer, wherein the storage container stores a liquid or gel-like washing aid. The washing machine also includes a dosage device to automatically dose the liquid and or gel-like washing aid.