Detergent dispenser for a washing machine

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines require users to exert effort and risk damaging the detergent dispenser when adding detergents, and the dispenser's design restricts the front design of the machine, limiting user convenience and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine design featuring a detergent dispenser mounted above the tub with a dispenser cover that opens and closes, allowing easy access and reducing the risk of damage, while maintaining a sleek front design by integrating the dispenser cover with the upper and front surfaces of the machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the detergent dispenser is positioned on the front surface of the washing machine, then users can easily access the dispenser to add detergents, but this restricts the front design of the washing machine

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of detergent dispenserVSAvoidfront design of washing machine

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent dispenser is moved from the front surface to the upper surface of the washing machine, changing the spatial dimension of access. Users can now access the dispenser from the top by opening the dispenser cover, which does not interfere with the front aesthetic design while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If users pour detergent directly into the detergent dispenser with the container resting on the dispenser, then detergent can be added quickly, but the detergent dispenser may be damaged by the load of the container

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of detergent additionVSAvoiddurability of detergent dispenser

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A detergent container receiving portion is introduced as an intermediary structure between the detergent container and the detergent dispenser. This receiving portion temporarily supports the container weight during detergent pouring, preventing direct load transmission to the dispenser while enabling quick detergent addition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If users hold the detergent container while pouring detergent into the dispenser, then detergent can be added, but users may exert considerable effort and be inconvenienced or hurt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of detergent additionVSAvoiduser injury or inconvenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent container receiving portion is designed to automatically support and position the detergent container when placed on the dispenser. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually hold or position the container, reducing physical effort and potential injury while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9816219B2Detergent dispenser for a washing machine

Publication Date: 2017.11.14 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A washing machine includes a cabinet including an upper cover forming the rear portion of the upper surface of the cabinet, a tub provided within the cabinet, a drum rotatably provided within the tub, a detergent dispenser located above the front portion of the tub and exposed by the upper cover, and a dispenser cover opening and closing the upper surface of the detergent dispenser exposed by the upper cover and formed in front of the upper cover.