Detergent Receptacle Handle Assembly With Fewer Dirt-Trapping Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry washing machines face issues with dirt accumulation at the joint points of the detergent receptacle handle mechanism, leading to operational complexity and cleanliness challenges.

Innovation Solution

A double-layer detergent receptacle handle mechanism with a snap-fit connection and reduced number of connection elements, featuring a J-cross-section body and locking means for secure and easy assembly, reducing dirt accumulation and simplifying the design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a handle mechanism with a plurality of layers and multiple connection elements is used, then the structural strength and robustness are improved, but the device complexity increases and dirt accumulation occurs at joint points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple connection elements into a single integrated connection point where the handle layers connect to the receptacle panel. This integration maintains the robust structural connection while eliminating the complexity of multiple separate connection elements and reducing dirt accumulation areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural strength, enabling easy assembly/disassembly, and preventing dirt accumulation. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional components while maintaining robustness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple connection elements and assembly lines are used to assemble handle layers, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of cleaning deteriorates due to dirt accumulation at joint points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary connection elements and assembly lines from the handle mechanism. By removing these redundant components, the design achieves structural stability with fewer connection points, thereby eliminating the joints where dirt would accumulate and making the detergent receptacle easier to clean.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle layers are designed with continuous surfaces and smooth transitions between layers, creating a shell-like structure without protruding connection elements. This design allows the structure to remain stable while presenting a smooth, cleanable surface without hidden joints or crevices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If additional components are added to prevent user reach into inner areas, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the safety function into the existing handle structure itself. The handle layers and their connection mechanism serve both as the operational handle and as the barrier preventing user access to inner areas, eliminating the need for separate safety components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle structure is designed to perform multiple functions: providing user interaction for opening the detergent receptacle, maintaining structural integrity, and simultaneously preventing user access to internal mechanisms. This multi-functionality achieves safety without adding separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3277878B1A laundry washing machine with an improved detergent receptacle handle mechanism
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 ARCELIK AS
  • EP3277878B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3277878B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3277878B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a laundry washing machine (1) having a detergent receptacle handle (20) with a mounting mechanism. The present invention more particularly relates to a laundry washing machine (1) comprising a detergent receptacle (2) for providing space to add washing and/or softening agents, the detergent receptacle (2) comprising a detergent receptacle handle (20) mounted on a receptacle panel (3) of the detergent receptacle (2), the detergent receptacle handle (20) at least partially covering a handling space (4) and effecting opening of the detergent receptacle (2).