Laundry Dispenser Tray Venting With Integrated Vapor Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machine designs face challenges in achieving a compact construction with effective ventilation and simplified production, particularly in the integration of vapor barriers and siphon designs, which are complex and prone to errors during injection molding.

Innovation Solution

A flushing arrangement with a U-shaped vapor barrier system integrated into the flushing bowl, where the vapor barrier is effective when filled with liquid, and a ventilation channel that promotes condensation, along with a separate partition wall for the siphon design that simplifies production by allowing easy assembly and removal, is used. Additionally, a flexible corrugated pipe section in the supply line ensures mechanical stability and efficient air duct integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a vapor barrier system and ventilation channel are integrated into the flushing bowl, then compact construction and effective ventilation are achieved, but production complexity increases due to injection molding difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompact constructionVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the flushing bowl into two separate parts: the lower part containing the vapor barrier system and the upper part containing the ventilation channel. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured separately using standard injection molding techniques, avoiding the complexity of producing a single integrated component with both functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the vapor barrier system and ventilation channel into a single flushing bowl assembly through material connection (welding or gluing). This merging achieves compact construction and effective ventilation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity by keeping the components separate during production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a siphon design is integrated into the flushing bowl, then steam prevention is enhanced, but manufacturing precision is compromised due to injection molding errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteam preventionVSAvoidinjection molding precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The siphon design is implemented as a separate partition wall component that is attached to the lower part of the flushing bowl, rather than being integrated into the injection molded part. This segmentation eliminates the precision issues associated with molding complex siphon geometries while maintaining the steam prevention function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition wall acts as an intermediary component that creates the siphon effect between the water-receiving trough and the outlet connection. This separate component approach allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while achieving the desired steam prevention functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If the ventilation channel is led through a long path in the flushing bowl, then condensation is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecondensation efficiencyVSAvoidventilation channel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation channel is integrated into the upper part of the flushing bowl, utilizing the existing structural space. The channel follows the natural contours of the bowl design, achieving a long path for condensation without adding separate complex components or increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design achieves a compact, mechanically stable, and cost-effective washing machine with enhanced condensation and steam prevention, simplifying production by eliminating complex siphon design issues and ensuring reliable steam containment during washing cycles.

Implementation Method 1

a vapor barrier device (17a) which is effective for preventing escape of steam from the tub (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVapor barrier:

Implementation Method 2

a ventilation channel (22) which is effective for promoting condensation of a gaseous medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

a siphon is formed between the outlet connection piece and the water intake trough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSiphon: Syphon

Data Source

PatentEP2794978B1Dispensing arrangement for a household appliance for the care of laundry items and household appliance for the care of laundry items
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2794978B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2794978B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2794978B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a dispensing arrangement (8) for a household appliance (1) for the care of laundry items, with a dispensing tray (8a) having an upper part (8b) and a lower part (8c) that can be connected thereto, wherein a water inlet flow device with a water-receiving depression is formed in the lower part (8c) and an outlet flow connection (8e, 8f) opening into the water receiving depression is formed on the lower part (8c), wherein the lower part (8c) has a partial channel (8k) of a ventilation channel (8g), the partial channel opening into the outlet flow connection (8e, 8f). The invention also relates to a household appliance (1) with such a dispensing arrangement (8).