Device comprising a core and a housing having a first and a second casing element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household appliance devices are not adequately protected against environmental influences and interactions with objects, leading to damage and suboptimal functioning during use.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a core with a dispensing module and a casing with first and second envelope elements made of different materials, providing sound-absorbing, shock-absorbing, and low-friction properties to prevent damage and ensure reliable operation in appliances like washing machines and dryers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-material casing is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device is not sufficiently protected against environmental influences and objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining an elastomer envelope element with a thermoplastic or thermoset envelope element in the casing. The elastomer provides shock-absorbing and sound-dampening properties, while the thermoplastic/thermoset provides structural integrity and chemical resistance. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by achieving enhanced protection against environmental influences and objects while maintaining a manageable device structure through the functional differentiation of materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different materials to different parts of the casing based on specific functional requirements. The elastomer envelope element is positioned to provide cushioning and protection against mechanical impacts, while the thermoplastic/thermoset envelope element provides structural support and chemical resistance in areas exposed to harsh environments. This localized material assignment resolves the contradiction by optimizing protection where needed without unnecessarily complicating the entire device structure.
2Reliability
If protective measures are added, then device reliability improves, but damage to household appliances may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the blessing in disguise principle by converting potentially harmful rigid structures into beneficial shock-absorbing elements. The elastomer envelope element is specifically designed to absorb mechanical impacts and dampen vibrations, transforming what could be damaging forces into protective energy dissipation. This resolves the contradiction by protecting the device from environmental influences while simultaneously preventing damage to the household appliance through controlled energy absorption rather than force transmission.
3Reliability
If the casing encloses the core completely, then protection is maximized, but interaction with treatment space objects is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using an elastomer material for the envelope element that contacts the treatment space environment. The elastomer's inherently low friction coefficient reduces adverse interactions with household goods, textiles, dishes, and cutlery while still providing complete enclosure and protection. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining full protective enclosure while minimizing harmful friction through the specific surface properties of the elastomer material.
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
The solution effectively protects the device and household appliances from damage, prevents adverse interactions with objects, and ensures uninterrupted functionality by balancing damping and friction properties.
Implementation Method 1
The first envelope element is designed in such a way that it has sound-absorbing and/or shock-absorbing properties
Implementation Method 2
The first envelope element is designed in such a way that it has sound-absorbing and/or shock-absorbing properties
Implementation Method 3
The second envelope element has a lower coefficient of friction than the first envelope element with respect to objects placed in the treatment space
Data Source
AI summary
A device (12, 210, 220) is disclosed for use, inter alia, in a household appliance (11) comprising the device (12, 210, 220): a core (212, 222) comprising at least one dispensing module (213, 223) designed to dispense at least one preparation into the treatment space (111) of the household appliance (11) and/or to effect dispensing; a casing (211, 221), wherein said casing (211, 221) is designed to be positioned in a treatment space (111) of a household appliance (11), wherein said casing (211, 221) comprises a first envelope element (214, 224) and a second envelope element (215, 225), wherein the first envelope element (214, 224) is formed from a first material and the second envelope element (215, 225) is formed from a second material, and wherein the casing (211, 221) at least partially encloses the core (212, 222).