Laundry Chemistry Dispenser With Split Lids for Complete Cleanout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating appliance dispensers suffer from poor water distribution, incomplete chemistry cleanout, and lack of features to differentiate between powder and liquid chemistry compartments, impacting cleaning performance and user usability.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with multiple compartments for powder and liquid chemistries, featuring angled water inlet ducts for complete cleanout, a domed base for even water distribution, and a split-lid design with icons for easy loading and differentiation between compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single lid covers all compartments, then the dispenser structure is simple, but users cannot easily differentiate between powder and liquid chemistry compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The single lid is divided into two separate lids: a first lid for powder chemistry compartments and a second lid for liquid chemistry compartments. This segmentation allows users to easily differentiate between compartment types while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each lid is designed with specific local characteristics - the first lid has features optimized for powder compartments while the second lid has features optimized for liquid compartments. This local differentiation enhances usability without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Productivity
If water inlet ducts are positioned vertically, then the dispenser structure is simple, but water distribution and chemistry cleanout performance are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The water inlet ducts are positioned at angled orientations rather than vertically, creating an asymmetric flow pattern that improves water distribution across the compartments and enhances chemistry cleanout effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The water inlet ducts are oriented at angles rather than purely vertical, introducing a horizontal dimension to the water flow. This dimensional change improves water distribution patterns and chemistry removal efficiency throughout the dispenser compartments.
3Productivity
If the base is flat, then the dispenser structure is simple, but water distribution across compartments is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with a domed (curved) surface instead of a flat surface. This curvature helps distribute water more evenly across the compartments by directing flow along the curved surface, improving overall water distribution without significant structural complexity.
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
Improves water distribution and chemistry cleanout performance, ensuring complete removal of treating agents and enhancing user experience through clear compartment differentiation.
Implementation Method 1
a siphon tube extending into the liquid chemistry compartment and configured to remove the liquid chemistry from the compartment
Implementation Method 2
a domed base in the powder chemistry compartment configured to receive water from the water inlet duct and distribute the water across the compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating appliance includes a cabinet, a treating chamber, and a treating chemistry dispenser provided with the cabinet and fluidly coupled to the treating chamber. The dispenser includes multiple compartments for treating chemistry, including multiple powder chemistry compartments and multiple liquid chemistry compartments. A cover for the dispenser includes a first lid selectively covering the multiple power chemistry compartments and a second lid selectively covering the multiple liquid chemistry compartments.