Laundry treating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating apparatuses lack convenience in detergent storage capacity, require separate detergent reservoirs, and do not easily allow for detergent level sensing, making them less user-friendly and more complex to manufacture and use.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a detergent storage frame that integrates detergent storage directly within the cabinet, allowing for separate storage of different detergents and featuring a cover to shield the storage space, along with a detecting sensor to monitor detergent levels, eliminating the need for a separate reservoir and enhancing user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a separate detergent reservoir is used within the storage, then the detergent can be stored, but the storage capacity is reduced and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate detergent reservoir component entirely and stores detergent directly in the storage container. This extraction of the unnecessary intermediate component increases the storage capacity while simplifying the overall structure, directly resolving the technical contradiction between storage capacity and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detergent reservoir function directly into the storage container, eliminating the need for separate components. By combining these functions into a single integrated structure, the patent achieves both increased storage capacity and reduced structural complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If a separate detergent reservoir is used, then detergent can be stored, but the ease of manufacture is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the separate detergent reservoir component, leaving only the essential storage container. This reduction in component count directly improves ease of manufacture while maintaining the detergent storage function, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detergent storage function directly into the storage container, eliminating the need for separate reservoir components. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of parts that need to be produced and assembled, while still achieving the required storage capacity.
3Shape
If the storage is retracted into the cabinet, then the appearance is maintained, but the detergent level sensing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with a simple detecting sensor that can accurately measure detergent levels even when the storage is retracted. This substitution of the sensing mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling easy detection without compromising the cabinet appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detecting sensor as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the retracted storage and the control system. This sensor enables accurate detergent level measurement while the storage remains retracted, maintaining both the cabinet appearance and the sensing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet having a detergent opening defined a front surface thereof, a tub located inside the cabinet, a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub, and a storage for storing detergent to be supplied to the tub therein. The storage is retracted into or extended out of the cabinet through the detergent opening. The storage includes a storage frame having a detergent storage space defined therein for storing the detergent therein, where a top surface of the storage frame is opened such that the detergent storage space is opened, a cover seat portion formed on the storage frame and formed along a perimeter of the detergent storage space, and a cover detachably coupled to the cover seat portion to shield at least a portion of an open top surface of the detergent storage space.