Front-Lower Detergent Supply Module for Easier Washer Loading

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laundry treating apparatuses require users to inconveniently lift detergent to an upper portion for storage, which can be exacerbated by additional height adjustments, leading to user discomfort and increased effort.

Innovation Solution

A detergent supply module is positioned at a lower portion of the apparatus, allowing for easy detergent storage and supply to the 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 an upper portion of the laundry treating apparatus, then the detergent can be supplied to the tub, but the user experiences inconvenience and discomfort due to the need to lift detergent to a high position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of detergent storageVSAvoidheight 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 allows users to easily access and load detergent without lifting it to a high position, while the detergent can still be effectively supplied to the tub through the redesigned supply mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The detergent storage device is repositioned from a vertical dimension (upper portion) to a horizontal dimension (lower front portion). This dimensional change maintains the functional requirement of detergent supply to the tub while significantly improving user accessibility and reducing the need for vertical lifting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of detergent storageVSAvoidheight of detergent introduction portion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent storage device is extracted from its conventional location at the upper portion and repositioned to the lower front portion of the cabinet. This separation allows the clothing introduction port height to be adjusted independently via props without affecting detergent storage accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The laundry treating apparatus is segmented into independent functional zones: the clothing introduction area (door) and the detergent storage area. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the door height using props without impacting the detergent storage position, resolving the conflict between door height adjustment and detergent accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If detergent is stored in a drawer-shaped introduction portion that is partially withdrawable, then detergent can be easily loaded, but the storage position remains at the upper portion requiring user discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of detergent loadingVSAvoidvertical position of storage device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The drawer-shaped detergent storage device is inverted from the upper portion to the lower front portion of the cabinet. This maintains the convenient drawer withdrawal mechanism for loading detergent while eliminating the need for users to reach high positions, combining ease of loading with ergonomic positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

The solution lowers the detergent storage position, simplifies detergent supply, and prevents conduit clogging, enhancing user convenience and ensuring a consistent detergent supply during washing.

Implementation Method 1

a detergent pump adapted to move the detergent in the container to the tub

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

a rinsing mechanism to prevent conduit clogging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRinsing:

Data Source

PatentUS9528216B2Laundry treating apparatus having a detergent supply module

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 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.