Detergent Feeder Water-Shower Layout for Cleaner Washer Drawers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating apparatuses face challenges in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene of the detergent feeder, particularly due to detergent leakage and contact with the supply casing, and require efficient detergent supply within limited space.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a water supply unit with a shower portion that receives water from a single water supply valve and hose, allowing for effective washing of the supply casing and efficient detergent delivery, with the shower portion positioned forwardly to address leakage issues and optimize space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If detergent is stored in a storage unit that can be inserted and withdrawn, then the detergent supply function is enhanced, but detergent may leak to the bottom surface of the supply casing during insertion and withdrawal, compromising cleanliness and hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
A water supply unit is installed that proactively supplies water to the bottom surface of the supply casing before detergent leakage occurs. This preliminary cleaning action prevents detergent contamination by washing the bottom surface in advance, resolving the contradiction between removable storage functionality and cleanliness maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The water supply unit automatically performs cleaning of the supply casing bottom surface without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by continuously or periodically supplying water to wash away any detergent that may have leaked, maintaining hygiene while the storage unit remains removable for user convenience.
2Ease of operation
If multiple water supply components are used for washing the supply casing and supplying water to the storage unit, then cleaning and detergent supply functions are separate, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple water supply functions (washing the supply casing and supplying water to the storage unit) are merged into a single water supply unit. This integrated component reduces the total number of valves, hoses, and control mechanisms while maintaining separate functional capabilities, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The water supply unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to wash the bottom surface of the supply casing and to supply water to the storage unit through the same component structure. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated water supply systems for each function, simplifying the overall device while preserving ease of operation.
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 design enhances the cleanliness and hygiene of the detergent feeder by simplifying water supply operations and ensuring effective detergent distribution, while maintaining efficient space utilization and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The shower portion receives water from the water supply portion through a shower flow channel and delivers water into the supply casing
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a laundry treating apparatus (1) including a cabinet (10), a tub (20), a drum (30), and a detergent feeder (100), wherein the detergent feeder includes a storage unit (200), a supply casing (300), and a water supply unit (400), wherein the storage unit is inserted into the cabinet through the detergent opening, and includes therein a storage space (210) for storing detergent therein, wherein the supply casing accommodates the storage unit therein, wherein the water supply unit is constructed to supply water to the storage unit, wherein the water supply unit includes a water supply portion (430) for supplying water to the storage unit, a shower portion (440) for supplying water into the supply casing by avoiding the storage unit, and a shower flow channel (442) extending from the water supply portion and connected to the shower portion to deliver water from the water supply portion to the shower portion.