Laundry Detergent Storage with Elastic Fastening for Secure Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating apparatuses face challenges in providing sufficient detergent storage capacity and user convenience during the retraction and extension of detergent storage, with separate detergent reservoirs and complex mechanisms that can be cumbersome and prone to interference.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a detergent storage space integrated directly into a storage frame, featuring a fastening protrusion and elastic portion that secures the storage space and provides easy recognition of coupling status during retraction and extension, eliminating the need for a separate reservoir and enhancing usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a separate detergent reservoir is used in the storage, then the detergent can be stored, but the detergent storage capacity is reduced and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent reservoir is merged with the storage frame to form an integrated detergent storage space. The storage frame itself serves as the container for detergent, eliminating the need for a separate reservoir component. This integration increases the detergent storage capacity while simplifying the overall structure by reducing the number of separate parts.
2Ease of operation
If a complex retraction and extension mechanism is used, then the storage can be moved, but the operation becomes cumbersome and prone to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The complex retraction and extension mechanism is removed entirely. The storage is designed to be directly movable within the cabinet space, allowing users to easily retract and extend it without any mechanical assistance. This extraction of the mechanism simplifies the operation and eliminates potential interference issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage is designed to be manually operated by users without requiring any automated mechanisms. The simple openable structure allows users to easily access, retract, and extend the storage themselves, making the system self-service oriented and eliminating complex mechanical components.
3Reliability
If no fastening mechanism is used, then the structure is simpler, but the coupling status cannot be recognized and detergent leakage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening elastic portion changes its physical state (elastic deformation) to provide visual and tactile feedback about the coupling status. When the storage is properly coupled, the elastic portion is compressed, giving users clear recognition that the detergent storage space is securely fastened to the storage frame, preventing detergent leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening elastic portion automatically performs the fastening function through its elastic properties. When the storage is inserted, the elastic portion naturally compresses and holds the detergent storage space in place, providing secure coupling without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or user intervention.
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 increases detergent storage capacity, improves user convenience by simplifying the retraction and extension process, and ensures secure coupling, reducing the likelihood of interference and detergent leakage.
Implementation Method 1
the fastening elastic portion is pressurized and elastically deformed by the fastening protrusion during the retraction and the extension of the storage
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a tub, a drum, a storage including a storage frame having a detergent storage space defined therein for storing detergent to be supplied to the tub therein, where the storage is retracted into or extended out of the cabinet through a detergent opening, and a fixing assembly disposed inside the cabinet to face the storage, where the fixing assembly includes a fastening elastic portion protruding toward the storage. The storage frame includes a frame outer wall for forming an outer wall of the storage frame and surrounding the detergent storage space, and a frame partition wall disposed in the storage frame to partition the detergent storage space. The frame partition wall includes a fastening protrusion protruding toward the fixing assembly, and the fastening elastic portion is pressurized and elastically deformed by the fastening protrusion during the retraction and the extension of the storage.