Top-Mounted Detergent Dispenser With Airflow Safety Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional detergent dispensers in washing machines require users to exert significant effort to lift detergent containers and are prone to breaking due to weight, and their design restricts the front face of the machine, limiting user convenience and potential design aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine with a detergent dispenser positioned on the upper surface, featuring a dispenser cover that slides under an upper cover to open, a detecting unit to prevent operation of the air supply when the cover is open, and a controller to stop air supply unit operation, ensuring safe and convenient detergent introduction without compromising the machine's design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the detergent dispenser is positioned on the front face and must be drawn forward for detergent introduction, then the detergent can be accessed, but the design of the front face is restricted and the user must exert effort to maintain the dispenser in the drawn state
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent dispenser is relocated from the front face to the upper surface of the washing machine, changing the spatial dimension of access. This allows the dispenser to be opened from above by lifting a cover, rather than requiring the entire dispenser assembly to be drawn forward from the front, thus freeing up front face design while maintaining ease of detergent introduction
2Ease of operation
If the user lifts the detergent container to introduce detergent, then the spout can be positioned over the dispenser, but the user must exert a great deal of force making it inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent container is designed to rest on the upper surface of the washing machine during detergent introduction, creating an equipotential position that eliminates the need for the user to continuously lift or support the container against gravity. The container can be easily positioned and released without exerting significant force
3Ease of operation
If the detergent container spout is placed on the detergent dispenser during introduction, then pouring is easier, but the detergent dispenser may break due to the weight of the container
Solution Approach 1:
The upper surface of the washing machine acts as an intermediary support structure between the detergent container and the detergent dispenser. The container rests on this intermediate surface during filling, transferring its weight to the robust upper surface rather than directly to the more fragile dispenser components, thus preventing damage while maintaining ease of pouring
4Ease of operation
If the dispenser cover is opened during air supply operation, then detergent can be added, but hot air may cause accidents or damage to components
Solution Approach 1:
A detecting unit monitors the opening state of the dispenser cover and provides feedback to the control unit. When the cover is detected to be open, the control unit automatically stops the air supply unit operation, preventing hot air from escaping and causing damage. This feedback mechanism ensures safe operation while maintaining ease of detergent introduction
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine includes a tub (130), an air supply unit (160), which is disposed over the tub so as to heat and circulate air in the tub, a detergent dispenser (300'), which is disposed over the tub, a dispenser cover (200) for opening the detergent dispenser, a detecting unit (230) for detecting that the dispenser cover is open, and a controller for stopping the operation of the air supply unit in response to detection by the detecting unit when it is detected that the dispenser cover is open.