Modular Liquid Dispensing Assembly for Multi-Zone Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing systems in washing machines are limited in implementing two washing zones, particularly when one zone is fixed and the other is removable, due to their fixed components, which complicates assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A structural arrangement featuring a feed pipe, a movable lid, and a liquid flow driver with a fluid connector that includes an intermediate element, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and reducing part replacement costs by decoupling components like the liquid flow driver from the movable lid and fixed body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid dispensing components are fixed to the movable lid and structural cabinet, then the system provides stable liquid dispensing function, but assembly and maintenance become complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid dispensing system is divided into separate modular components: a liquid conduit assembly that can be detached from the movable lid, and a structural cabinet with integrated hinge and conduit connections. This segmentation allows the liquid conduit to be replaced independently without replacing the entire lid or hinge assembly, simplifying maintenance while maintaining reliable liquid dispensing function.
2Reliability
If liquid dispensing components are fixed to the movable lid and structural cabinet, then the system provides stable liquid dispensing function, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge member is designed to integrate multiple functions: it serves as the mechanical hinge for the movable lid and simultaneously houses the liquid conduit connection. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall assembly structure while ensuring reliable liquid dispensing through the integrated conduit-hinge-lid connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single piece blow-molded component is used for the hinge member, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability and ease of repair are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
While the hinge member itself can be manufactured as a single piece with integrated conduit, the liquid conduit assembly is designed to be detachable from the movable lid. This allows the conduit to be replaced independently if damaged or worn, providing repair flexibility without requiring replacement of the entire hinge-lid assembly, thus balancing manufacturing efficiency with adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A structural arrangement introduced in a liquid dispensing set-up of a household appliance includes at least one feed pipe, at least one movable lid cooperating with a fixed body, and at least one liquid flow driver. The liquid flow driver is disposed adjacent a lower face of the movable lid. The liquid flow driver is associated with the feed pipe through a fluid connector. The fluid connector defines a hinge axis of the movable lid. The liquid flowing through the liquid flow driver is directed inside of at least one washing environment defined in an inside of the household appliance.