Detergent Supply Module Positioning for Ergonomic Laundry Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses require users to inconveniently lift detergents to a high upper portion for storage and supply, which can be exacerbated by additional height adjustments, leading to user discomfort and increased effort.
Innovation Solution
A detergent supply module is positioned at a lower portion of the apparatus, allowing for easy detergent storage and supply, with a rotatable module door that exposes the detergent container and filter for maintenance, and includes a detergent pump system to ensure consistent detergent delivery to the tub, while a separate detergent storage module at the upper portion supplies detergent with washing water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the detergent storage device is positioned at the upper portion of the laundry treating apparatus, then the detergent can be supplied to the tub along with washing water, but the user must lift the detergent to a high position which causes inconvenience and increases effort
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent supply system is divided into two separate modules: a lower detergent storage module for user-friendly detergent introduction, and an upper detergent storage device that receives detergent automatically. This segmentation allows the user to interact with the lower module at a convenient height while the system handles the transfer to the upper module automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
A detergent pump and conduit system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the lower detergent storage module and the upper detergent storage device. This intermediary automatically transfers detergent from the lower to the upper module, eliminating the need for manual lifting while ensuring proper detergent supply positioning.
2Ease of operation
If a prop is added to increase the height of the laundry treating apparatus, then the clothing introduction port height is increased, but the detergent introduction portion height is further increased causing more user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the clothing introduction function (at the front panel level) from the detergent storage function (at the lower level). The detergent storage module is positioned independently below the main apparatus, so height adjustments to the main apparatus do not affect detergent accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent storage module is positioned in a different vertical dimension (lower level) separate from the main apparatus height. This dimensional separation allows the main apparatus height to be adjusted for clothing introduction without impacting detergent access, as the detergent module operates independently at a lower elevation.
3Ease of operation
If the detergent supply module is positioned at the lower portion, then detergent access is simplified and user convenience is improved, but the detergent must be automatically transferred to the upper portion for supply to the tub
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent pump system operates automatically to transfer detergent from the lower storage module to the upper storage device. The system serves itself by automatically handling the detergent transfer without requiring user intervention, making the added complexity transparent to the user who only needs to load detergent into the accessible lower module.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of lifting detergent is replaced with an automated pump system that uses fluid dynamics and pressure differentials to transfer detergent. This substitution of mechanical manual handling with an automated fluid transfer system reduces user effort while managing the complexity internally.
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
The solution lowers the detergent storage position, simplifies detergent access, prevents clogging of supply channels through rinsing, and ensures a constant detergent supply during washing, addressing user inconvenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a detergent pump (211) adapted to move the detergent (231) to the tub (130)
Implementation Method 2
a water supply device (160) to supply washing water into the tub (130)... rinsing the detergent supply conduit (212)
Data Source
Figure N/A
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus is provided that may include a cabinet having an introduction port for introduction of laundry and an opening that communicates with an outside of the cabinet, a tub arranged in the cabinet and provided with a tub introduction port that communicates with the introduction port, and a detergent supply module that stores a detergent and provides the stored detergent to the tub, the detergent supply module being detachably provided at the opening.