Docking Mechanism for Split Detergent Dispensing Assembly Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clothing treatment device detergent dispensing assemblies have poor connection reliability and stability due to their split-type design, leading to loose connections and potential damage during use.

Innovation Solution

A clothing treatment agent dispensing assembly with a docking mechanism that includes slidingly connected dispensing and storage containers, utilizing positioning pins and pin holes for secure engagement and a sealing ring to prevent separation, ensuring stable and reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a split-type dispensing box and storage box are used, then the overall size of the dispensing assembly is reduced, but the connection reliability and stability deteriorate due to loose connections and easy separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall size of dispensing assemblyVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing assembly is divided into separate dispensing box and storage box components that can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall size while maintaining functionality through the docking mechanism with positioning pins

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The docking mechanism features a positioning pin structure where the dispensing box contains positioning pins that engage with corresponding pin holes in the storage box, creating a nested engagement system that prevents separation while maintaining compact dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If an integrally formed drawer-type dispensing box and storage box are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the opening size on the panel increases, affecting aesthetics and control panel design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidopening size on panel
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The integrally formed drawer is segmented into separate dispensing and storage boxes that connect through a docking mechanism, allowing the assembly to maintain reliability through positive engagement while reducing the required panel opening size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If repeated pulling operations are performed on a split-type dispensing assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection stability deteriorates causing damage to the dispensing assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of detergent additionVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning pins and pin holes are pre-configured in the docking mechanism to establish stable engagement before any pulling operations occur, preventing separation and damage during repeated use while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3783140B1Clothes treating agent dispensing assembly for clothes treatment device and clothes treatment device
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 QINGDAO HAIER DRUM WASHING MACHINE CO LTD
  • EP3783140B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3783140B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3783140B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A clothes treating agent dispensing assembly for a clothes treatment device and a clothes treatment device. The clothes treatment device comprises a body; the clothes treating agent dispensing assembly comprises a dispensing container (1), a storage container (2) and a docking mechanism (3). The dispensing container and the storage container are both in sliding connection with the body; the docking mechanism is capable of engaging the dispensing container and the storage container with each other and can cause the dispensing container and the storage container to stably slide relative to the body as a whole. The docking mechanism is capable of engaging the dispensing container and the storage container with each other and avoids relative movement of the dispensing container and the storage container, such that the relative stability of the dispensing container and the storage container can be maintained when a drawer is pulled out or pushed in, and the dispensing container and the storage container both can slide stably relative to the body.