Removable Detergent Dispenser Assembly for Cleanable Top-Load Washers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detergent dispensers in top-loading washing machines face issues with complex drainage, dead angles, and inaccessible design, leading to detergent deposits and maintenance difficulties, resulting in user dissatisfaction and reduced wash quality.
Innovation Solution
A dismountable and cleanable detergent dispenser design for top-loading washing machines, featuring two interlocking parts with flexible seals and easy access for maintenance, allowing the loading hopper door to seal compartments without disturbing the door's function, and incorporating self-cleaning jets to prevent overflow and facilitate regular maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the dispenser is integrated in the loading hopper with fixed compartments, then the dispenser structure is stable and compact, but the compartments and channels become difficult to access for cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into multiple separable components including removable compartments (310-312), detachable channels (320-322), and separable housing parts (31, 32). This segmentation allows each component to be independently accessed, removed, and cleaned without disassembling the entire dispenser structure, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser transitions from a fixed integrated structure to a dynamic configurable structure where compartments and channels can be removed and reinstalled. The flexible seals (21-23, 318, 319) enable this dynamic reconfiguration while maintaining sealing integrity, allowing easy access for cleaning while preserving structural stability during operation.
2Ease of repair
If the dispenser compartments are made removable to facilitate cleaning, then maintenance access is improved, but the door functioning is disturbed and detergent overflows occur
Solution Approach 1:
The removable compartments (310-312) are nested within the dispenser housing structure and can be independently accessed through the open door position. The compartments fit within designated spaces in the housing, allowing them to be removed for cleaning without affecting the door's sealing function or causing detergent overflow, as the door maintains its normal sealing relationship with the hopper.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible seals (21-23, 318, 319) act as intermediaries between the removable compartments and the dispenser housing. These seals maintain the sealing relationship during compartment removal and reinstallation, preventing detergent overflow while allowing easy access for maintenance. The seals accommodate the dynamic movement of compartments without compromising the door's sealing function.
3Productivity
If complex drainage systems and multiple parts are used in the dispenser, then detergent distribution functionality is improved, but the dispenser becomes difficult to dismantle and clean completely
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is segmented into removable channels (320-322) that can be detached from the dispenser housing. This segmentation maintains the complex drainage functionality needed for effective detergent distribution while allowing each channel to be independently removed and cleaned, eliminating the problem of inaccessible areas in integrated complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The channels (320-322) are extracted as separate removable components from the dispenser housing. This extraction allows the channels to be completely removed for cleaning outside the machine, while the drainage functionality remains integrated when installed. The channels can be taken out without removing other dispenser components, simplifying the maintenance process despite the complexity of the drainage system.
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
Ensures complete distribution of detergent, prevents deposits, and allows for regular maintenance of all components, enhancing wash quality and user satisfaction by providing easy access and effective cleaning of the dispenser.
Implementation Method 1
the siphons 323 to 325
Implementation Method 2
raised parts in a flexible material forming seals 21 to 23
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This detergent products dispenser is characterized in that it is made in two parts (31 and 32) fitting together where one (31) includes the detergent products holding compartments (310 to 312) and liquid inlet and the detergent outlets and where the other (32) includes the water distribution baffles, the inlet edges (326 to 328) of the detergent compartments (310 to 312) and the siphons (323 to 325), The two parts (31) and (32) of the dispenser (30) constitutes a removable assembly recessed in a suitable seating arranged in the opening of the loading hopper (10).