Detergent Supply Path Layout for Movable Washer Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines require users to manually determine and supply detergent and fabric conditioner based on laundry amount, leading to cumbersome operations and potential entanglement of detergent supply paths due to the need for a separate detergent container and support base connection/separation.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design featuring a detergent storage unit at the support base with a guide unit that adjusts the detergent supply path's shape and length, preventing entanglement and allowing seamless connection and separation of the support base, ensuring efficient detergent flow and improved spatial efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the detergent container is enlarged to store more detergent and conditioner, then the storage capacity is improved, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent container is nested within the support base structure, utilizing the space under the main body to store detergent and conditioner. This allows the container to be enlarged for greater storage capacity without increasing the overall footprint of the washing machine, as the container is housed within the existing support base volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the detergent supply path is made relatively long to connect the separate detergent container to the rotational tub, then the storage location flexibility is improved, but the path may become twisted or entangled
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent supply path incorporates a bellows structure that can dynamically expand and contract, allowing the path to accommodate the in-and-out movement of the detergent container while maintaining a stable, non-entangled connection. The bellows absorbs the dynamic motion, preventing twisting and ensuring reliable detergent supply throughout the container's range of motion.
3Ease of operation
If the support base is made separable for user convenience, then the ease of operation is improved, but the detergent supply path connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent supply path is segmented into modular components, with the bellows structure serving as a flexible connector that can be easily attached and detached. This segmentation allows the support base to be separated for user convenience while the modular bellows connection simplifies the reconnection process, reducing the overall complexity compared to rigid permanent connections.
4Ease of operation
If the detergent supply path is made flexible to accommodate container movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the path may become twisted or entangled
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows structure provides controlled flexibility that accommodates the detergent container's in-and-out movement while maintaining structural integrity. The bellows expands and contracts in a predetermined manner, allowing easy container operation without twisting or entanglement, thus preserving both ease of operation and supply path stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a washing machine and a detergent supply path which guides detergent stored in a lower part of a main body of the washing machine to an upper part of the main body. The washing machine includes a main body; a support base removably mounted to the main body; a detergent storage unit mounted at a lower part of the main body to be moved in and out of the main body; a detergent supply path guiding the detergent stored in the detergent storage unit that is in the lower part of the main body, to an upper part of the main body; and a guide unit guiding movement of the detergent supply path according to the movement in and out of the detergent storage unit.