Detergent Drawer Roller Support to Prevent Sagging and Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing detergent feeding devices in washing machines face difficulties in achieving smooth and easy movement of the detergent receiving case due to increased friction and sagging, which hinders the withdrawal process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a support roller and an auxiliary support roller, along with an inclined guide, to stabilize and facilitate the movement of the detergent receiving case by reducing friction and preventing sagging, allowing for easier withdrawal and insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the detergent receiving case is designed to be movable for easy detergent access, then ease of operation is improved, but friction and sagging occur during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by installing rollers (support rollers and auxiliary support rollers) on the detergent receiving case. These rollers convert sliding friction into rolling friction, significantly reducing the force required to move the detergent receiving case in and out of the detergent housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rollers as intermediary elements between the detergent receiving case and the detergent housing. These rollers act as mediators that facilitate smooth movement by reducing direct contact friction and preventing sagging during the withdrawal process.
2Ease of operation
If support rollers are added to reduce friction, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rollers are designed to be passively supported by the detergent housing structure itself. The support rollers are mounted on the detergent receiving case and roll along the inner surface of the detergent housing, while auxiliary support rollers are supported by an inclined guide on the housing bottom. This self-service design minimizes additional structural complexity while achieving smooth movement.
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
This configuration significantly reduces the force required to open or close the detergent receiving case, ensuring stable and smooth operation by minimizing vertical movement and maintaining low friction during the withdrawal process.
Implementation Method 1
a support roller and an auxiliary support roller, along with an inclined guide, to stabilize and facilitate the movement of the detergent receiving case by reducing friction
Implementation Method 2
an inclined guide extending forwardly and upwardly from an inner bottom surface of the detergent housing so that the auxiliary support member is supported in contact with the inclined guide
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine including a detergent feeding device to feed detergent. The detergent feeding device includes a detergent housing having an open front side, a detergent receiving case installed to the detergent housing to move through the open front side of the detergent housing, and a water supply guide unit placed on the detergent housing to guide water into the detergent receiving case inserted into the detergent housing. The detergent receiving case includes at least one support roller supported in a rolling manner on a lower surface of the water supply guide unit, and an auxiliary support member located forward of the support roller to be supported in contact with a bottom surface of the detergent housing as the detergent receiving case is withdrawn. The support roller and the auxiliary support member may prevent vertical movement of the detergent receiving case during withdrawal or insertion of the detergent receiving case.