A method of operation for a washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines for laundry items face challenges in effectively distributing detergent and simplifying the detergent filling process, leading to inefficiencies and potential detergent losses.
Innovation Solution
The method involves designing at least one drum rib as a dosing rib to directly dispense detergent to laundry and simplifying the filling process through automatic or semi-automatic drum positioning, potentially using multiple dosing ribs and integrated detergent reservoirs, eliminating the need for external dispensers and conveyors, and incorporating filling aids like optical scales for precise dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If detergent is stored in external dispensers and conveyed through lines to the drum, then detergent can be stored and delivered, but detergent losses occur due to deposits in lines and conveyors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the detergent storage function from external dispensers and relocates it directly to the drum interior through dosing ribs with integrated reservoirs. This eliminates the need for complex conveying lines and external storage systems, thereby preventing detergent deposits and losses in the transport path.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the detergent storage reservoir with the dosing rib structure itself, creating an integrated system where the rib serves both as a structural element and a detergent delivery mechanism. This consolidation eliminates separate conveyor components and reduces detergent loss.
2Ease of operation
If the drum is manually positioned for filling reservoirs, then filling can be performed, but user effort and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates filling aids directly into the dosing rib structure, such as filling funnels and optical scales, that are pre-positioned to guide users during the filling process. This preliminary preparation of the filling interface simplifies user operation and reduces the time required for detergent refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing rib with integrated reservoir and filling aids enables the system to serve itself during the filling process. The optical scales and filling funnels automatically guide the user without requiring manual drum positioning or complex alignment procedures, making the filling operation self-explanatory and time-efficient.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple dosing ribs are used for detergent distribution, then detergent distribution improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the detergent distribution function into multiple segmented dosing ribs positioned at different locations within the drum. Each dosing rib with its integrated reservoir independently delivers detergent to different zones, ensuring uniform distribution across the laundry load while maintaining a modular structure that simplifies manufacturing.
4Loss of substance
If detergent is stored remotely from the drum, then storage is possible, but detergent must be transported creating losses and odors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the detergent storage function from remote external dispensers and relocates it directly to the drum interior through dosing ribs with integrated reservoirs. This eliminates the need for complex conveying lines and external storage systems, thereby preventing detergent deposits and losses in the transport path.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing rib acts as an intermediary structure that directly connects the detergent reservoir to the drum interior, eliminating the need for intermediate conveying lines and pumps. This direct pathway prevents detergent deposits and the associated odors that would form in remote storage and transport systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a washing machine (2) for laundry items, comprising a drum (8) rotatably arranged in a tub (4) about a pivot axis (6), the drum (8) having at least one drum rib (16, 18) arranged on an inner surface of the drum (8) facing the laundry items for moving the laundry items in the drum (8), and at least one reservoir (10, 20) for storing a detergent. To improve the laundry treatment in a washing machine (2) for laundry items, it is proposed that at least one of the at least one drum rib (16, 18) be designed as a metering rib (18) for dispensing the detergent stored in at least one of the at least one reservoir (20) to the laundry items. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for a washing machine (2) for laundry items.