Dispenser cup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating appliances face challenges in efficiently utilizing minimal surface space for multiple treating chemistry dispensing functions, as existing dispensers often require multiple pour zones, which can clutter the surface and complicate the design.
Innovation Solution
A selector compartment with a pour zone that can be selectively positioned to fluidly couple with either the treating chamber or a bulk reservoir, allowing treating chemistry to be directed to multiple destinations using a single pour zone, thereby optimizing space and simplifying the dispensing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pour zones are provided for different treating chemistry dispensing functions, then dispensing versatility is improved, but surface space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single pour zone is designed to serve multiple dispensing functions by selectively coupling to different destinations (treating chamber or bulk reservoir) through the selector compartment mechanism, making one structure perform the role of multiple pour zones
Solution Approach 2:
The selector compartment can be selectively positioned between different locations to change the fluid coupling configuration, allowing the same pour zone to dynamically serve different destinations based on the selected position
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pour zones are provided for different treating chemistry dispensing functions, then dispensing functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dispensing functions that would traditionally require separate pour zones are merged into a single pour zone through the selector compartment mechanism, reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the dispenser structure
Solution Approach 2:
The single pour zone with selective coupling capability consolidates multiple dispensing functions into one universal interface, reducing the complexity associated with having multiple specialized pour zones
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
This solution enables efficient distribution of treating chemistry to multiple destinations within a laundry treating appliance, enhancing usability and maintaining a clean, aesthetically pleasing surface while minimizing the need for multiple pour zones, thus optimizing space usage.
Implementation Method 1
selectively moving a selector compartment defining a cup between a first position, where the cup is fluid coupled with the treating chamber and a second position where the cup is fluid coupled with the at least one bulk reservoir
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.