Detergent Compartment Partition for Liquid Detergent Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detergent feeding devices in washing and drying machines lack simple and user-friendly mechanisms for switching between solid and liquid detergent use, often requiring additional stop elements or locking mechanisms to prevent liquid detergent flow.
Innovation Solution
A detergent feeding device with a pivotable partition element having a horizontal axis, which is inclined in its first position to prevent liquid detergent outflow and held by gravity, allowing easy switching between positions without additional securing means, and featuring an overflow edge to manage liquid flow and user information for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a partition member is used to separate liquid detergent compartment, then liquid detergent storage is enabled, but additional stop elements or locking mechanisms are required to prevent liquid detergent flow
Solution Approach 1:
The partition element serves itself by using its own weight and gravitational force to automatically seal the liquid detergent compartment when in the first position, eliminating the need for external stop elements or locking mechanisms. The system self-regulates detergent flow based on the partition element's position.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the unnecessary stop elements and locking mechanisms from the detergent compartment, retaining only the essential partition element that performs both separation and sealing functions through its inclined positioning and gravitational action.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a partition element with vertical pivoting axis is used, then liquid detergent compartment can be formed, but complex guiding grooves and stop elements are needed to control partition movement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a vertical pivoting axis with complex guiding grooves, the invention inverts the approach by using a horizontal pivoting axis with an inclined partition element. This inversion simplifies the guiding structure and eliminates the need for complex groove systems while maintaining effective compartment separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pivoting axis from vertical to horizontal, introducing a dimensional change that allows the partition element to achieve sealing through inclination rather than through complex vertical guiding mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall structure.
3Device complexity
If partition element is perpendicular to bottom surface, then simple structure is achieved, but liquid detergent cannot be effectively contained
Solution Approach 1:
The partition element is designed with asymmetry by inclining it at an angle between 10° to 88° relative to the bottom surface, rather than being perpendicular. This asymmetric inclination creates effective liquid containment while maintaining structural simplicity, as the angled surface prevents liquid detergent from flowing past the partition.
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
Enables seamless switching between solid and liquid detergent use without additional locking mechanisms, preventing liquid detergent leakage and ensuring easy user operation, while maintaining efficient detergent flow and storage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the partition element is inclined with respect to the bottom of the detergent compartment in the first position... the partition element is held by gravity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a home appliance, in particular washing and/or drying machine (50), comprising a detergent feeding device (52) having at least one detergent storing compartment (56) for storing a detergent amount, the at least one detergent compartment comprising an outlet (72), and a pivoted partition element (60) arranged in the detergent compartment (56), wherein in a first position the partition element (60) separates a partial compartment (68) in the detergent compartment (56) from the outlet (72) for storing an amount of liquid detergent in the partial compartment, and wherein in a second position the partition element (60) provides passage from the partial compartment (68) to the outlet (72), the pivoted partition element (60) has a single pivot rest (62, 64) arranged at the bottom (58) of the detergent compartment (56).