Detergent Drawer Reservoir Layout for Stable Partial Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines require the detergent drawer to be pulled out excessively to refill reservoir tanks, leading to instability and increased risk of spillages during refilling.
Innovation Solution
The reservoir tanks are positioned adjacent to chambers in the drawer, allowing for partial extension during refilling, reducing the need for extensive drawer pull-out and minimizing spillage risks, with the option to adjust tank and chamber placement for improved stability and space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the reservoir tank is positioned at the rear of the drawer to maximize storage capacity, then the storage volume is improved, but the drawer must be pulled out excessively far to access the refill opening, causing instability and spillage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir tank is divided into two spatial zones: a front chamber portion positioned near the front of the drawer for refilling access, and a rear storage portion extending to the back for maximum capacity. This segmentation allows the refill opening to be accessible with minimal drawer pull-out while the bulk of the tank maintains maximum storage volume.
2Ease of operation
If the drawer is pulled out far to reach the refill opening, then the reservoir tank can be filled, but the drawer becomes unstable and spillage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refill opening is pre-positioned in the front chamber portion of the reservoir tank, which is designed to be accessible with only minimal drawer pull-out. This preliminary positioning of the filling access point eliminates the need to pull the drawer far outward, thereby maintaining drawer stability and preventing spillage during the refilling operation.
3Volume of stationary object
If the reservoir tank occupies the entire drawer space, then storage capacity is maximized, but no space remains for manual metering chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer interior is segmented into distinct functional zones: the front region houses manual metering chambers for powder or granular detergents, while the rear region contains the reservoir tank for liquid detergent. This spatial segmentation allows both manual metering functionality and maximum liquid storage capacity to coexist without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir tank is designed to extend vertically and utilize three-dimensional space efficiently, with the chamber portion at the front and storage portion extending rearward. This dimensional arrangement allows the tank to occupy vertical and depth space without encroaching on the horizontal space required for manual metering chambers, thereby maximizing storage capacity while preserving operational versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatically controlled washing machine is provided that has a housing and a detergent inlet device which is embodied as a drawer in the housing. The drawer is accessible from the front of the washing machine and has a chamber in the front region of the drawer for manual and measured addition of a portion of a laundry treatment agent. A reservoir tank inside the drawer is provided for a liquid laundry treatment agent. The reservoir tank has a chamber part that extends so far into the front region of the drawer that the chamber part is located adjacent to the chamber.