Washing Machine Dispenser Drawer Guard to Prevent Residue and Leaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry washing machines face issues with residue accumulation and bacterial proliferation in treating agents dispensers, leading to hygiene concerns and potential leaks, which complicate cleaning and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A treating agents dispenser with a movable guard element connected to the underside of the drawer, which can be easily cleaned and positioned to prevent residue accumulation and guide liquids directly into the tub, reducing the risk of leaks and bacterial growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a treating agents dispenser with fixed side walls is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but residues of treating agent accumulate on the side walls forming a sticky mass
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer side walls are made movable rather than fixed, allowing them to tilt relative to the vertical direction. This dynamic configuration prevents treating agent residues from accumulating and adhering to the side walls, while maintaining structural stability through the drawer's overall framework and the controlled mobility of the side walls.
2Ease of operation
If the drawer is extracted for user access, then ease of operation is improved, but water and treating agent may leak and dirty the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer side walls are designed to tilt automatically when the drawer is extracted or inserted. During extraction, the side walls tilt to close off openings and prevent leakage. During insertion, they return to vertical position to allow proper alignment. This dynamic behavior enables easy user access while preventing liquid leakage onto the floor.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the drawer side walls are made movable to prevent residue accumulation, then residue accumulation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer incorporates movable side walls that can tilt relative to the vertical direction through a simple mechanical linkage system. This dynamic structure allows the side walls to automatically adjust their position during drawer extraction and insertion, preventing residue accumulation without requiring complex control systems or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable side walls serve multiple functions simultaneously: they prevent treating agent residue accumulation by tilting away from vertical, prevent liquid leakage by closing off openings during extraction, and maintain structural integrity through their controlled mobility. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
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 effectively reduces residue accumulation, prevents bacterial proliferation, and minimizes leaks, enhancing hygiene and simplifying maintenance by allowing easy cleaning of the dispenser.
Implementation Method 1
Compartments comprise a siphon. Water coming from the channel flushed into the compartment triggers the siphon and treating agent is drawn through the siphon.
Implementation Method 2
a guard element which is movably connected to an underside of the drawer... the width of said guard element is equal to, or slightly smaller than, the width of the drawer
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry washing machine (1) comprising a treating agents dispenser (20) having a drawer (22; 122; 222) comprising one or more compartments (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d) for receiving at least one agent for treating laundry, a supporting structure (21) on which said drawer (22; 122; 222) can slide and a water distributor (35) comprising at least one channel for conveying water from an external water source to the compartments (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d). A guard element (50; 150) is movably connected to an underside (22b; 122b) of the drawer (22; 122; 222).