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 into 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 in the storage, then the detergent can be stored, but the detergent storage capacity is reduced and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detergent reservoir function directly into the storage frame by defining the detergent storage space within the storage frame itself, eliminating the need for a separate reservoir component. This integration increases detergent storage capacity while reducing device complexity by removing unnecessary parts.
2Ease of manufacture
If different detergents are stored in the same storage space, then the storage is simple, but the detergents cannot be easily separated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detergent storage space into multiple compartments using partition frames, allowing different detergents to be stored separately. This segmentation enables easy separation and organization of different detergent types while maintaining a simple overall storage structure that is easy to manufacture.
3Ease of operation
If the detergent storage space is open, then the detergent is easily accessible, but the detergent may leak to the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a cover that can be coupled to the storage frame to shield the detergent storage space. The cover acts as a flexible barrier that prevents detergent leakage while allowing easy access when opened, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and leakage prevention.
4Device complexity
If no cover is used for the detergent storage space, then the structure is simple, but the detergent cannot be shielded from the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cover that couples to the storage frame to shield the detergent storage space. This simple cover structure prevents detergent leakage without significantly increasing device complexity, as it is a straightforward protective component that can be easily integrated.
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.