Detergent Outlet Door Structure for Washing Machine Foam Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines face issues with foam and steam from the washing tub contaminating the detergent supply unit and causing temperature increases or corrosion, due to the inability to effectively block fluid outflow through the water supply bellows.
Innovation Solution
A structure featuring a door with a shielding member that can open and close at the outlet of the detergent supply unit, equipped with a stationary member and a rotatable shielding member, along with ribs and a push-preventing unit, to prevent fluid flow from the washing tub to the detergent supply unit, ensuring the detergent supply unit remains uncontaminated and neighboring elements are protected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the water supply bellows is designed with a U-shaped portion to gather water for blocking steam, then steam blocking is improved, but the structure becomes complex and water may flow to the washing tub when the washing tub moves
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the blocking function from the water supply bellows structure itself and separates it into an independent door component. The door is installed at the outlet of the detergent supply unit to block foam and steam, while the bellows maintains its simple original structure for water supply only. This separation resolves the contradiction by removing the harmful blocking function from the bellows without compromising its water supply function.
Solution Approach 2:
The door acts as an intermediary component between the detergent supply unit outlet and the water supply bellows. It provides a dedicated blocking mechanism that does not interfere with the bellows' water supply function. The door can be opened by wash water flow to allow water supply while remaining closed to block foam and steam, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of water supply and contaminant blocking.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the water supply bellows is multiply bent to block fluid outflow, then fluid blocking is improved, but the bellows structure becomes complex and water supply may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking function is extracted from the bellows structure and assigned to a separate door component installed at the detergent supply unit outlet. The bellows maintains its original simple structure optimized for water supply, while the door provides the blocking function through its ability to open and close. This resolves the contradiction by separating the blocking function from the water supply structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the water supply bellows handles water supply, while the door handles blocking of foam and steam. The door includes a stationary member and a shielding member that can rotate independently. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a door is installed at the outlet to block foam and steam, then contamination prevention is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The door is designed to operate automatically without external control mechanisms. Wash water flowing from the outlet to the water supply bellows generates pressure that automatically opens the door to allow water supply. When water supply stops, the door automatically closes to block foam and steam. This self-service operation minimizes the need for additional actuators or control systems, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining effective contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The door incorporates a dynamic shielding member that can rotate between open and closed positions rather than being a fixed structure. The shielding member is rotatably connected to the stationary member, allowing it to adapt its position based on operational requirements. This dynamic design provides effective blocking when needed while allowing unobstructed water flow when required, achieving contamination prevention with minimal structural addition.
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
Effectively blocks the flow of foam and steam from the washing tub to the detergent supply unit, preventing contamination and corrosion, while allowing wash water and detergent to be supplied without interference with the water supply bellows.
Implementation Method 1
a door (90) installed at the outlet (76) such that the door can be opened and closed, opened by wash water flowing from the outlet (76) to the water supply bellows (80)
Data Source
AI summary
A structure for blocking outflow of a fluid for a washing machine includes a door installed at an outlet of a detergent supply unit such that the door opens the outlet when wash water and detergent are supplied from the detergent supply unit to a washing tub and closes the outlet of the detergent supply unit when foam or steam is discharged from the washing tub to the detergent supply unit, thereby preventing the fluid, such as foam or steam in the washing tub, from flowing to the detergent supply unit through a water supply bellows.