Dispenser Compartment Closure Tab for Easy Reservoir Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances, such as washing machines and washer-dryers, are complex to operate and require expensive and labor-intensive processes for cleaning or emptying reservoirs, especially when replacing laundry treatment agents.
Innovation Solution
A shell with a bowl body featuring a flexible closure element, designed as a closure tab, allows for easy manual opening and closing of outlets, facilitating the removal and exchange of stored liquids, with an elastically deformable stopper for reliable sealing and one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a reservoir with pump elements is used for storing laundry treatment agents, then the appliance can store sufficient agents for several washing programs, but the cleaning and emptying process becomes complex and expensive requiring disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) that can be independently emptied through separate outlets. Each chamber can be emptied separately by actuating its corresponding closure element, allowing selective emptying without affecting other chambers. This segmentation enables simple emptying operation while maintaining sufficient storage capacity across multiple chambers.
2Ease of operation
If the outlet is always open for easy emptying, then liquid can flow out freely, but accidental opening and leakage occurs during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element automatically seals the outlet when not in use, eliminating the need for manual closing operations. The elastic deformation of the closure element creates a self-sealing mechanism that maintains reliability without requiring user intervention. When emptying is needed, the closure element is simply actuated to open the outlet, combining automatic sealing with easy intentional opening.
3Reliability
If a rigid closure device is used to seal the outlet, then reliable sealing is achieved, but the closure mechanism becomes complex and difficult to operate with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is made from an elastomeric material that provides flexible sealing instead of rigid mechanical components. This flexible membrane can be simply actuated by pressing with one hand, deforming to open the outlet or return to its original shape to seal it. The elastomeric material maintains reliable sealing through its elastic properties while eliminating complex rigid closure mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If the closure element is permanently fixed to the bowl body, then the structure is simple and robust, but the closure element cannot be replaced if worn or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is designed as a separate, replaceable component that can be independently removed and replaced. The closure element is secured to the bowl body through attachable connections (such as clips or snap-fits) that allow the closure element to be detached and reattached. This segmentation maintains structural simplicity while enabling easy replacement of worn closure elements without replacing the entire reservoir.
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 simple and efficient emptying of the bowl, allowing for targeted collection and replacement of laundry treatment agents, reducing operational complexity and cleaning effort while ensuring reliable sealing and protection against accidental opening.
Implementation Method 1
a closure part (20) having an elastically deformable stopper (21) which can be pressed into an opening (22) of the outlet (15) to close the outlet (15) associated with the chamber (9)
Implementation Method 2
The elastically deformable stopper has an annular, elastically deformable sealing lip in order to ensure reliable sealing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The compartment (2) has a compartment body (6) comprising an outlet (15) attached to chambers (9, 10). The outlet is closed by a flexible closure element (17) i.e. closure tab, connected indirectly with the compartment body. A fastening part (19) of the closure element is indirectly connected with the compartment body. A closure part (20) of the closure element comprises an elastically deformable stopper (21) pressed in an opening (22) for closing the outlet attached to the chambers. The compartment is introduced in a housing part (3).