Dispenser assembly and washing machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

In washing machines, residual liquid from the dispenser overflows through a gap between the waterproof box and the dispenser, causing inconvenience to users.

Innovation Solution

A dispenser assembly with a first block rib inside the waterproof box adjacent to the handle, which prevents liquid overflow by redirecting it back into the washing machine, and a water collection cavity with a siphon inlet and second block rib to manage liquid flow effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a waterproof box is used to contain residual liquid in the dispenser, then liquid containment is improved, but liquid overflows through the gap between the waterproof box and dispenser

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid containmentVSAvoidliquid overflow

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof box is segmented into multiple chambers by dividing ribs, creating separate containment zones. This segmentation prevents liquid from finding continuous pathways through the box structure and reduces the likelihood of overflow through the gap between the box and dispenser.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sealing structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the waterproof box and the dispenser body. This sealing structure fills and seals the gap between the box and dispenser, preventing liquid from leaking through the interface while maintaining the containment function of the waterproof box.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the waterproof box is made of plastic material, then manufacturing ease is improved, but hydrophilicity causes liquid to spread along the box surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidliquid spreading

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inner surface of the waterproof box is treated with a hydrophobic coating that creates local quality differences. This coating makes the surface water-repellent in specific areas where liquid contact occurs, causing liquid to bead up and drain back rather than spread along the box surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of trying to make the plastic material itself hydrophobic through material selection, the invention applies a hydrophobic coating layer on the inner surface. This inverts the approach from changing the base material property to adding a functional surface layer that provides the desired liquid behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Prevents liquid overflow from the gap between the waterproof box and dispenser, enhancing user experience by ensuring residual liquid is contained and directed back into the machine.

Implementation Method 1

a first block rib that is disposed inside the waterproof box and at one end of the waterproof box adjacent to the handle of the dispenser, where the first block rib is configured to prevent liquid from overflowing from the gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier blocking:

Implementation Method 2

a water collection cavity with a siphon inlet and second block rib to manage liquid flow effectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSiphon effect: Syphon

Data Source

PatentUS11702788B2Dispenser assembly and washing machine

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 HAIER SMART HOME CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a dispenser assembly. The dispenser assembly includes a handle; a waterproof box, where a gap is disposed between the waterproof box and a dispenser; and a first block rib that is disposed inside the waterproof box and at one end of the waterproof box adjacent to the handle of the dispenser, where the first block rib is configured to prevent liquid from overflowing from the gap.