Dual-Use Detergent Drawer for Bulk Tank Refilling in Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines require frequent refilling of washing agent drawers or bulk tanks, which are either inconveniently located or require ergonomic challenges during refilling, and often necessitate complete replacement of bulk agent containers, leading to economic and accessibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine equipped with a single drawer that can be used for loading both single doses of washing agents and filling bulk tanks located remotely, allowing for flexible operation modes, including traditional and bulk tank usage, with the ability to add additional agents without dedicated tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-dose drawer is used for washing agents, then the drawer can be completely emptied and refilled after each wash, but the user must refill the drawer after every wash cycle which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the single-dose drawer with bulk tank storage by integrating a bulk tank filling station into the drawer structure. The drawer serves dual purposes: as a single-dose container and as a filling station for bulk tanks, allowing users to refill bulk tanks during the washing cycle without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically filling bulk tanks in advance before the washing cycle completes. The drawer system pre-fills bulk tanks with washing agent during idle time, so users don't need to manually refill after each wash.
2Productivity
If bulk tanks are used for washing agents, then multiple wash cycles can be performed without refilling, but the bulk tanks are located at the machine base in a position which is not easily accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer acts as an intermediary between the user and the bulk tanks. Instead of users directly accessing bulk tanks at the machine base, the drawer serves as a中介 filling station that automatically transfers washing agent to bulk tanks, eliminating the need for users to bend down and manually refill inaccessible tanks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling the drawer to automatically fill bulk tanks without user intervention. The drawer system autonomously performs the refilling function, eliminating the need for users to physically access the bulk tanks at the machine base.
3Stability of the object's composition
If flexible plastic bags are used for washing agents, then the bags can adapt to decreasing contents, but the entire bags must be replaced when empty which is economically disadvantageous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the washing agent storage into a reusable bulk tank system and disposable single-dose drawer portions. Instead of replacing entire flexible bags, the system uses a permanent bulk tank that is refilled from the drawer, separating the reusable container from the consumable washing agent.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers the container value by making the bulk tank reusable and permanent. Instead of discarding entire flexible bags when empty, the bulk tank is retained and refilled multiple times, while only the washing agent in the single-dose drawer is discarded after use.
4Device complexity
If a rigid bulk tank with limited length refilling tube is used, then space is saved when not in use, but the refilling operation requires the user to bend to the machine base which is not ergonomical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of the refilling operation by moving it from the machine base level to the drawer level at the front of the machine. The refilling tube is integrated into the drawer structure, allowing users to refill at a comfortable height rather than bending to the base, thus solving the ergonomics problem while maintaining space efficiency.
5Ease of operation
If dedicated means are arranged on the front side of the washing machine for filling bulk tanks, then filling access is provided, but the means are exclusively for filling and take up space
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer is designed with universal functionality, serving both as the single-dose washing agent container and as the bulk tank filling station. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated filling means, reducing space occupation while maintaining easy filling access through the drawer interface.
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 provides flexibility and convenience by allowing users to fill both single-dose and bulk tank compartments with a single operation, eliminating the need for frequent refilling and reducing economic and ergonomic drawbacks, while enabling hybrid use scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
the drawer being in fluid communication with bulk tanks (35, 36) arranged in a remote position with respect to the drawer and in fluid communication therewith
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine, in particular a laundry washing or washing/drying machine, has at least one wash tub, one tank for a washing agent, and one drawer for loading washing agents, in which machine the drawer can be moved to at least a first position, wherein at least a portion of the drawer is in fluid communication with the tub, and a second position, wherein at least a portion of the drawer is in fluid communication with the tank.