Easy-to-open storage container and clothes treating machine including the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clothes treating machines face inconvenience due to the need for manual addition of detergent or softener each time they are used, leading to hygiene and contamination issues, as well as difficulty in distinguishing between automatically and manually added detergents.
Innovation Solution
A storage container with a detergent receiving portion and a cover portion that extends in the length direction, allowing for easy opening and closing, and a detergent supply device that includes a frame to receive and protect the storage container, preventing exposure to the atmosphere and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If detergent is stored in an open compartment for automatic supply, then the detergent supply device can automatically add detergent, but the detergent is exposed to the atmosphere causing contamination and hygiene problems
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into a detergent storage portion and a separate cover portion. The cover portion can be opened and closed independently, allowing the detergent to remain sealed during storage while enabling easy access when needed for refilling or maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container with cover is nested within the detergent supply device. The cover portion fits over the detergent storage portion, creating a sealed environment that protects the detergent from atmospheric exposure while integrating with the automatic supply mechanism.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover portion is added to the storage container to prevent exposure, then contamination is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is segmented into a simple detergent storage portion and a separate cover portion. This segmentation allows the cover to be designed as a simple, lightweight component that provides protection without adding significant structural complexity to the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the detergent storage portion complex with integrated sealing mechanisms, the invention inverts the approach by adding a simple cover portion that provides the protective function. The complexity is minimized by making the cover a separate, straightforward component rather than integrating complexity into the storage portion.
3Ease of operation
If the storage container is designed for easy opening, then user convenience is improved, but the sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cover portion is designed to be dynamically movable between an open position for easy refilling and a closed position for effective sealing. The dynamic design allows the cover to be easily opened and closed by the user while maintaining a secure seal when closed, balancing convenience with protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation of the cover portion from the detergent storage portion allows independent optimization of each component. The cover can be designed with easy-grip features and simple opening mechanisms, while the junction between the cover and storage portion can be designed to provide effective sealing when closed.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage container and a clothes treating machine including the same are described. The storage container is received in a detergent supply device and includes a cover portion including a cover rear protruding portion that protrudes outward from one side thereof. The storage container includes a detergent receiving portion including a container rear protruding portion that protrudes outward from one side thereof and that is aligned with the cover rear protruding portion. A user may grip the cover rear protruding portion provided in the cover portion to easily separate the cover portion and the detergent receiving portion. In addition, the user may grip the cover rear protruding portion and the container rear protruding portion to more easily separate the cover portion and the detergent receiving portion.