Pocket End Blocking Element for Straw Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In washing machines, straws protruding from articles can become stuck in the end portions of pockets, preventing the precise centering of subsequent articles and hindering effective washing, as they often remain in a position orthogonal to the insertion direction, interfering with the correct positioning of the next article.
Innovation Solution
The end portion of each pocket includes a blocking element that retains straws in a position not interfering with the insertion of the next article's neck, ensuring proper alignment and washing efficiency, comprising pairs of walls and crossbars that form through passages for fluid connection, allowing straws to be removed without obstructing the insertion of subsequent articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If straws are washed out of articles during washing treatment, then the washing process is completed, but straws remain stuck inside the end portion in a position that prevents precise positioning of subsequent articles
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed to extract and retain the straw (disturbing object) from the end portion's active space. By capturing the straw between the blocking element and the end portion wall, the system removes the interference caused by straws that would otherwise prevent proper positioning of subsequent articles.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element acts as an intermediary component between the straw and the end portion. It provides a controlled retention mechanism that holds the straw in a specific position, preventing it from interfering with article positioning while allowing the washing fluid to pass through.
2Manufacturing precision
If blocking elements are added to retain straws, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is divided into multiple functional parts: a retention portion that captures the straw, a connection portion that attaches to the end portion, and defined spaces that allow fluid passage. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element incorporates through passages or porous structures that allow washing fluid to pass through while retaining the straw. This enables the blocking element to fulfill its retention function without obstructing the washing process, maintaining system simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed an end portion (31) for a pocket (17) for receiving an empty article (2) to be washed and advanced along a washing treatment path (P), comprising a frame (37), which defines a seat (40) configured to receive a neck portion (91) of a respective article (2); frame (37) further comprises one blocking element (50), which surrounds at least part of seat (40) and is adapted to prevent straw (93) from being set in a position in which it would avoid the insertion of neck portion (91) of the subsequent article (2) inside seat (40).