Dispenser cup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating appliances face challenges in optimizing surface space usage for multiple treating chemistry dispensing functions, often requiring multiple pour zones that compromise aesthetics and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A treating chemistry fill cup assembly with a base cup and selector cup, allowing fluid coupling to multiple destinations through rotatable conduits, enabling single pour zone operation for various dispensing functions without reducing access opening size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pour zones are provided for various treating chemistry dispensing functions, then dispensing versatility is improved, but surface space usage is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The single pour zone is designed to serve multiple dispensing functions by allowing different treating chemistries to be poured through the same opening at different times. The dispenser cup system enables one pour zone to perform the work of multiple pour zones through sequential operation and internal routing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple dispensing functions that would traditionally require separate pour zones are merged into a single pour zone. The system combines multiple treating chemistry dispensing capabilities into one location on the cabinet surface, reducing the total surface area required while maintaining functional versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pour zones are provided for various treating chemistry dispensing functions, then dispensing versatility is improved, but access opening size is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The single pour zone serves as a universal access point for multiple treating chemistry dispensing functions. By making the pour zone multi-functional, the system avoids the need for multiple separate access openings, thereby maintaining a single, appropriately sized opening while providing versatile dispensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple access openings that would be required for different dispensing functions are merged into a single pour zone. This consolidation maintains a compact access opening size while still providing access to multiple treating chemistry dispensing functions through the unified opening.
3Area of stationary object
If minimal surface space is used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but dispensing function versatility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement of multiple pour zones on the cabinet surface to a three-dimensional solution using a single pour zone with internal routing and sequential operation. This dimensional change allows multiple dispensing functions to be accessed through one surface location, maintaining aesthetic appearance while providing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser system uses dynamic, sequential operation to provide multiple dispensing functions through a single static pour zone. Different treating chemistries can be dispensed at different times through the same opening, with the system dynamically switching between functions, thereby maintaining minimal surface space usage while achieving versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine includes a cabinet defining a housing with internal components of a conventional automated clothes washer, a door mounted to the cabinet to selectively open/close the opening to the cabinet, and a dispenser in the form of a fill cup assembly in which single or bulk doses of treating chemistry can be received. The fill cup assembly includes a base cup with at least first and second fluid conduits supplying corresponding destinations, and a selector cup defining a pour zone. The selector cup includes an outlet and rotatable relative to the base cup to selectively fluid couple the outlet to the at least first and second fluid conduits.