Front-Mounted Detergent Supply Module for Easier Washer Refilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry treating apparatuses require users to uncomfortably lift detergents to the upper portion for introduction, increasing user inconvenience, and often necessitate additional props that further heighten the detergent introduction position.

Innovation Solution

A detergent supply module is positioned at a lower portion of the apparatus, allowing easy access and supply of detergents to the washing tub, with a rotatable module door and detergent pumps to facilitate efficient detergent distribution, and a rinsing mechanism to prevent conduit clogging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the detergent storage device is positioned at the upper portion of the laundry treating apparatus, then the detergent can be supplied to the washing tub, but the user experiences inconvenience due to having to lift the detergent to a high position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of detergent introductionVSAvoidheight of detergent storage position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent storage device is inverted from the conventional upper position to a lower position at the front of the cabinet. This inversion resolves the contradiction by making the detergent storage accessible at a convenient height for users while still enabling effective detergent supply to the washing tub through the redesigned detergent introduction port and supply mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The detergent storage device is repositioned from a vertical upper location to a horizontal front location. This dimensional change allows users to access the detergent at a convenient height while maintaining the functional connection to the washing tub through the detergent supply system, thus resolving the height-related inconvenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of stationary object

If a prop is added to increase the height of the clothing introduction port, then the door height is increased, but the detergent introduction position is further heightened, increasing user inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight of doorVSAvoidease of detergent introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding a prop to increase door height (which would further elevate the detergent introduction position), the detergent storage device is inverted to a lower front position. This reverse approach allows the door height to be increased for better laundry access while the detergent storage remains at a user-friendly height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If the detergent storage device is positioned at the upper portion, then the detergent supply structure is simplified, but the user must uncomfortably lift the detergent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent supply structureVSAvoidease of detergent introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent supply system is segmented into a lower front storage device and a separate supply mechanism. The detergent storage device is divided into a container and a supply mechanism, allowing the storage to be positioned at a convenient lower height while the supply mechanism handles the detergent delivery to the washing tub, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10081901B2Laundry treating apparatus having a detergent supply module

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A laundry treating apparatus is provided that may include a cabinet having an introduction port for introduction of laundry and an opening that communicates with an outside of the cabinet, a tub arranged in the cabinet and provided with a tub introduction port that communicates with the introduction port, and a detergent supply module that stores a detergent and provides the stored detergent to the tub, the detergent supply module being detachably provided at the opening.