Detergent Drawer Panel Layout for Robust Laundry Feed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry washing machines face issues with the structural integrity and layout optimization of detergent delivery systems, particularly with thin guide means that can break and the need for a water nozzle placement compromise due to the design of the separator panel mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A detergent delivery system with a panel that can be positioned to obstruct the detergent feed line, allowing fluid passage through a gap, and is designed to accommodate both liquid and powder detergents, minimizing protrusion and interference with the washing machine door, using a butterfly valve mechanism and a drawer with a hopper to channel liquids effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If thin guide means are used to allow separator panel movement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to breakage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means is divided into two separate components: a fixed guide element attached to the drawer body and a movable guide element attached to the separator panel. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the fixed guide provides structural support while the movable guide enables panel rotation without requiring a single complex, fragile guide structure
Solution Approach 2:
The guide means combines multiple functions into a unified system: it provides structural support, enables rotation movement, and defines the rotation axis. By merging these functions into an integrated guide system with interlocking fixed and movable elements, the design achieves both simplicity and reliability without requiring separate components for each function
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the water nozzle is placed further forward to avoid striking the separator panel, then the harmful factors are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to tighter space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The separator panel transitions from a static structure to a dynamic component that rotates between positions. When the panel rotates to its retracted position, it clears the water nozzle's path, allowing the nozzle to be placed in an optimal position without risk of striking the panel. This dynamic movement resolves the spatial conflict between the nozzle and panel
3Adaptability or versatility
If the separator panel is made movable between vertical and horizontal positions, then the adaptability is improved for different detergent types, but the device complexity increases due to additional movement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The separator panel is designed to rotate between a vertical position (for liquid detergent containment) and a horizontal/retracted position (for powder detergent or dispensing). This dynamic repositioning capability provides adaptability for different detergent types while using a simple rotation mechanism rather than complex multi-stage adjustment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The separator panel's position parameter is changed between discrete states (vertical and horizontal) to adapt to different detergent types. By utilizing angular position as a controllable parameter, the system achieves versatility without requiring continuous adjustment mechanisms or multiple separate components
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical household appliance (7) for washing laundry, comprising a washing compartment (70), a feed line (71) for feeding detergent to the washing compartment (70) and comprising a drawer (72) for holding the detergent and a conduit (73) interposed between the drawer (72) and the washing compartment (70), a panel (74) for obstructing the detergent feed line (71); the drawer (72) comprising: a first positioning means (75) for positioning the panel (74) in an operating position where it obstructs the feed line (71), the first positioning means (75) being located along the feed line (71), and a front wall (76) transversal to the direction (77) of extracting / inserting the drawer (72). The wall (76) comprises second positioning means (78) for positioning the panel (74) and a housing cavity (79) formed in the wall (76), said panel (74) being able to adopt a first configuration where it is connected to the first positioning means (75) and a second configuration where it is connected to the second positioning means (78).