External Detergent Feed Connection for Clog-Resistant Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines require costly and complex retrofitting to enable external liquid detergent supply, involving extensive rework and potential clogging issues due to the need for hose adjustments and installations.
Innovation Solution
A factory-installed connecting element with a gradient channel design allows for easy external liquid detergent feeding without reworking the machine, featuring an adapter with protruding connecting pieces and a bayonet catch for secure attachment, preventing detergent escape and clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If retrofitting is performed to enable external liquid detergent supply, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing a connecting element with integrated channels during the washing machine manufacturing process. This connecting element includes a connecting piece on the rear wall and channels that extend into the dispenser cistern, allowing external liquid detergent supply to be enabled before the product reaches the customer, thereby eliminating the need for complex retrofitting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element serves as an intermediary component that bridges the external detergent supply system and the internal dispenser cistern. It includes a connecting piece with channels that facilitate the transfer of liquid detergent from external containers through the rear wall into the dispenser, simplifying the interface between external and internal systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hoses are installed for liquid detergent feed, then adaptability is improved, but risk of detergent escape and clogging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic and hydraulic principles by designing channels with a gradient that utilizes gravity and fluid pressure to control detergent flow. The channels have a lower section and an upper section with a gradient toward the rear wall, ensuring that liquid detergent flows reliably into the dispenser cistern while preventing unintended escape through proper gravitational and pressure-based flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element features local quality variations in its channel design, with different sections having different orientations and gradients. The lower section channels feed into the upper section channels, which have a gradient toward the rear wall. This localized variation in channel geometry optimizes detergent flow in different regions while preventing clogging and escape at critical points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conversion kit is installed retroactively, then adaptability is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates installation time for enabling external detergent supply by performing the action preliminarily during manufacturing. The connecting element with its connecting piece and channels is pre-installed in the washing machine before delivery to the customer, so the external liquid detergent supply functionality is immediately available upon product receipt without requiring any installation time at the customer premises.
4Ease of manufacture
If channels are horizontal in connecting element, then ease of manufacture is improved, but detergent escape prevention capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element applies local quality by having different channel sections with different orientations. The lower section channels can be manufactured horizontally for ease of fabrication, while the upper section channels have a gradient toward the rear wall to prevent detergent escape. This localized variation in channel geometry maintains manufacturing simplicity while ensuring reliable detergent containment through gravitational and pressure-based flow control in the critical upper section.
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 immediate operation with external liquid detergent without costly reconfiguration, ensuring efficient detergent delivery and preventing clogging through the gradient channel design and secure attachment mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
In the operational position, the connecting piece is arranged higher than the point of entry on the flushing box, so that there is a gradient to the flushing box over the area of extension of the connecting element. The design of the gradient section has the advantage that the dispenser drawer in particular also allows the detergent to be loaded via a drawer. Because when the water level in the dispenser cistern rises, the gradient that rises towards the rear towards the rear wall prevents liquid from escaping unintentionally from the channels on the back of the machine housing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A front-loading horizontal axis washing machine (1) comprises a housing (5) containing a wash tub (2) and connected rinse container (4) with a receiver for washing media connected to external dosing units (6-9) that feed the media. There is a connection support (14) on the outer wall (10) and a channel connection (13) to an opening into the rinse container that has a downwards gradient to the container.