Laundry treating apparatus having a detergent supply module
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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 easier detergent storage and supply, with a rotatable module door and detachable container facilitating detergent access and rinsing, and a separate detergent storage module at the upper portion for efficient detergent distribution during washing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 tub and drum effectively, but the user experiences inconvenience and discomfort when lifting detergent to the upper portion
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent supply system is divided into two separate modules: a detergent storage module positioned at the upper portion for effective detergent supply, and a detergent supply module positioned at the lower portion for easy detergent loading. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and effective detergent supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent supply module acts as an intermediary between the user and the detergent storage module. It receives detergent from the user at a lower, more accessible position and transfers it to the upper detergent storage module, which then supplies detergent to the tub and drum. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for users to lift detergent to the upper portion while maintaining effective detergent supply.
2Length of stationary object
If a prop is added to increase the height of the laundry treating apparatus, then the clothing introduction port height is increased, but the detergent introduction portion position is further heightened, increasing user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the detergent storage and supply functions into different modules at different heights, the system allows the overall apparatus height to be increased for better clothing access without negatively impacting detergent storage accessibility. The lower detergent supply module remains at an ergonomically convenient height regardless of the apparatus's overall height increase.
3Ease of operation
If the detergent supply module is positioned at the lower portion, then user convenience is improved, but a separate detergent storage module is needed at the upper portion for efficient detergent distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent supply module and detergent storage module are designed as integrated but separable units that work together as a unified system. The detergent supply module at the lower portion combines the detergent container, pump, and supply mechanism, while the upper storage module provides storage capacity. This merging of functions into coordinated modules achieves user convenience without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating apparatus is provided that may include a cabinet provided with an opening that communicates with an outside of the cabinet and an introduction port for introduction of laundry, a tub arranged in the cabinet to store washing water therein and provided with a tub introduction port that communicates with the introduction port, and a detergent supply module including a module door to open and close the opening, a container provided to, in, or on the module door or the cabinet to store a detergent, and a detergent pump to move the detergent stored in the container to the tub.