Movable Washer Dispenser Cup for Multi-Additive Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing dispenser systems for washing machine appliances require multiple small containers for different fluid additives, making it difficult to pour and time-consuming to load, due to space constraints on the top panel.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser assembly with a tray and a movable cup that can be positioned to direct fluid additives into either the wash chamber, bleach receptacle, or detergent receptacle, eliminating the need for separate containers and allowing for a larger cup size to reduce spilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate containers are provided for different fluid additives, then each container can be dedicated to a specific additive, but the container size must be reduced to fit within the top panel space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
A single cup is designed to serve multiple functions by being movable between different positions. The cup can be positioned to receive different fluid additives (detergent, fabric softener, bleach) and direct them to different destinations, eliminating the need for multiple separate containers while maintaining dedicated functionality for each additive type
Solution Approach 2:
The cup is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be repositioned between different receptacles and destinations. This dynamic configuration enables one container to replace multiple static containers, increasing volume while maintaining adaptability through positional changes
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate containers are provided for different fluid additives, then each container can be dedicated to a specific additive, but additional time is required to load the fluid additives
Solution Approach 1:
The single movable cup serves as a universal receptacle for all fluid additives. Users only need to learn and perform one loading process regardless of which additive is being loaded, eliminating the need to adapt to multiple different container locations and procedures, thereby reducing overall loading time
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple container functions are merged into a single cup that can be positioned to serve different purposes. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete loading actions required and simplifies the user interface, allowing faster operation through reduced complexity
3Area of stationary object
If the container size is reduced to accommodate space constraints, then multiple containers can fit on the top panel, but it becomes more difficult to pour fluid additives into the containers
Solution Approach 1:
One larger cup replaces multiple smaller containers, providing a single generous pouring opening that is easier to use. The cup's larger size accommodates better pouring while the movable design maintains the ability to serve multiple additive types, resolving the conflict between space utilization and operational ease
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser assembly for a washing machine appliance includes a tray and a cup removably mounted to the tray. The tray may define a first aperture and a second aperture, and the cup may also define an aperture. Further, the cup may be movable to a first position and a second position. In the first position, the aperture defined by the cup may be in fluid communication with the first aperture. In the second position, the aperture defined by the cup may be in fluid communication with the second aperture.