Door-Frame Filling Socket for Obstruction-Free Appliance Refilling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances with treatment chambers face challenges in allowing simple and unimpeded filling of operating liquids, often obstructed by frame parts, which complicates the filling process and user operation.
Innovation Solution
A movable socket-based filling device that can pivot between a rest and filling position, allowing unhindered filling while being automatically covered by the appliance's door during operation, ensuring safe and efficient filling from larger containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the filling device is arranged on the frame part, then the filling process is obstructed by the frame part, but the device structure is simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The filling device is designed with a movable socket that can pivot between a rest position (where it is recessed into the frame part) and a filling position (where it protrudes from the frame part). This dynamic positioning allows the socket to be out of the way during operation while providing unobstructed access during filling, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational ease.
2Ease of operation
If the socket protrudes from the frame part during filling, then filling is unimpeded, but the socket may be pinched between the door and body when door is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The socket automatically transitions from the filling position to the rest position when the door is closed, ensuring it cannot be pinched between the door and body. This dynamic repositioning maintains safety while preserving unobstructed filling access when the door is open.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket's automatic retraction mechanism prevents the harmful effect of pinching by moving the socket to a safe position before the door closes, eliminating the risk of damage or injury.
3Ease of operation
If the filling device remains visible and accessible, then filling is convenient, but the control panel must share space with filling controls
Solution Approach 1:
The filling device is extracted from the control panel area and positioned on the frame part, allowing the control panel to be dedicated solely to operation controls. The filling socket remains accessible when needed but does not interfere with control panel functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable socket provides filling access only when positioned in the filling location, keeping the filling function separate from the control panel area. This dynamic separation allows independent optimization of both filling convenience and control panel layout.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a domestic appliance comprising a treatment chamber (2) that can be closed by a door (4) and a filling device (12) for supplying an operating fluid or an operating powder, which can be introduced, either treated or untreated, into the treatment chamber (2) according to the operating mode of the domestic appliance. According to the invention, the opening (6) of the treatment chamber (2), which can be closed by the door (4) is delimited by at least one frame part (8) and the filling device (12) is suitable for providing a fluid connection with an external container (32) that holds the operating fluid or operating powder. The invention is characterised in that the filling device (12) is situated on the frame part (8), the opening (12.1.1) of said device being accessible for filling the operating fluid or operating powder, at least when the door (4) is fully open and is covered by the door (4) when the latter is closed.