Detergent Drawer Flap Mechanism for Leak-Safe Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines face issues with detergent leakage and incorrect detergent usage due to dependent closure arrangements, manual actuation requirements, and inefficiencies in liquid detergent storage, especially when using powder or liquid detergents for the main wash cycle.
Innovation Solution
A closure arrangement in the washing chamber that remains open after detergent emptying, actuated by washing liquid, allowing automatic operation independent of filling quantity, using a pivotable flap with a magnet and lever element for powder and liquid detergents, eliminating the need for manual actuation and preventing detergent drainage into the siphon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closure arrangement is used to prevent detergent leakage, then detergent storage reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional closure mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The closure arrangement is designed to automatically open and close based on the presence or absence of washing liquid in the rinsing chamber, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The system self-regulates the closure state according to operational conditions, improving reliability while avoiding complex manual control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical closure mechanisms with a simplified system that uses the physical presence of washing liquid to control the closure arrangement. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable detergent containment during storage and dispensing operations
2Ease of operation
If a manual actuation system is used for the closure arrangement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to required user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The closure arrangement automatically responds to the filling and emptying of the rinsing chamber without requiring user action. The system monitors the washing liquid level and autonomously controls the closure state, providing ease of operation while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the hydraulic pressure of washing liquid to actuate the closure arrangement. The inflowing washing liquid directly or indirectly actuates the closure mechanism, eliminating the need for complex electrical or mechanical actuators while achieving automatic operation
3Productivity
If the closure arrangement opens automatically when washing liquid flows in, then the productivity is improved by enabling automatic detergent dispensing, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential detergent leakage into the siphon
Solution Approach 1:
The closure arrangement is designed to remain closed during the filling of the rinsing chamber, preventing detergent from entering the siphon prematurely. The system ensures the closure is securely maintained before washing liquid contact, then opens only after filling is complete, ensuring reliable detergent containment while enabling efficient automatic dispensing
Solution Approach 2:
The closure arrangement responds to feedback from the washing liquid filling process. The system monitors the filling state and automatically adjusts the closure position accordingly - remaining closed during filling to prevent leakage, and opening only when filling is complete to enable detergent dispensing
4Ease of operation
If a drawer design is used for the rinsing chamber, then the ease of operation is improved by allowing easy access, but the reliability deteriorates due to the drawer being pushed forward during actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism for the closure arrangement is separated from the drawer movement mechanism. The closure is actuated independently by washing liquid pressure rather than being coupled to drawer pushing motion, eliminating the problem of the drawer being pushed forward while maintaining easy drawer access for loading and unloading operations
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
Ensures reliable storage and use of both powder and liquid detergents without manual intervention, preventing detergent leakage and allowing for automatic operation, enhancing user convenience and wash cycle efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet which holds the flap in the open position after the washing liquid has been flushed in
Implementation Method 2
The lever element can be actuated by the washing liquid that is introduced, with this being directly directed in a targeted manner onto the lever element
Implementation Method 3
which closes due to its own weight
Data Source
AI summary
The washing machine (1) has a water container (3), which is arranged in a housing (2). A drum (4) is pivoted in the water container. A rinsing chamber (5) is provided for metered provision of a powdered or liquid detergent. A closure assembly is arranged in a drawer (7) formed as the rinsing chamber, which remains in the open position after emptying of the detergent by the washing liquid.