Top-Mounted Detergent Dispenser Cover With Locking Washer Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines require users to manually lift detergent containers or maintain spouts to introduce detergent, which is inconvenient and can lead to strain or damage, and the detergent dispenser's placement restricts the design of the washing machine's front face.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design with a detergent dispenser positioned on the upper surface, accessible via a sliding door and lock unit, allowing easy detergent introduction without the need for manual lifting and preventing unintentional opening, while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the detergent dispenser is positioned on the front face of the washing machine, then it is accessible for detergent introduction, but it restricts the design freedom of the front face
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent dispenser is relocated from the front face to the upper surface of the washing machine. This dimensional change allows the dispenser to be accessible from above while the front face remains free for aesthetic and design purposes, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and design freedom.
2Ease of operation
If the detergent dispenser is drawn out from the washing machine for detergent introduction, then detergent can be easily introduced, but the dispenser structure becomes complex and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of drawing the dispenser out horizontally from the front, the invention allows the dispenser cover to open vertically from the upper surface. This dimensional change simplifies the structure by eliminating the need for complex drawer mechanisms while maintaining ease of detergent introduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is segmented into a fixed body and a movable cover. The cover can be opened independently to access the detergent compartment, eliminating the need to draw out the entire dispenser. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure while maintaining accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If the dispenser cover is made easily openable, then detergent introduction is convenient, but unintentional opening may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser cover incorporates a lock unit that can be in different states (locked or unlocked). The lock unit dynamically adjusts the cover's state based on user interaction, allowing easy opening when intended while preventing unintentional opening when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cover and the dispenser body. It mediates the opening action by requiring deliberate user input to disengage the lock, thus preventing accidental opening while allowing convenient opening when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The washing machine includes a cabinet including an upper cover forming the rear part of the upper surface of the cabinet, a tub in the cabinet, a detergent dispenser, which is over the front part of the tub and which is not covered by the upper cover and is exposed, a dispenser cover, which opens and closes the upper face of the detergent dispenser, which is not covered by the upper cover and is exposed and which forms the front part of the upper surface of the cabinet, and a lock unit for maintaining the open or closed state of the dispenser cover while the dispenser cover is open or closed.