Top-Load Detergent Dispenser for Liquid and Powder Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detergent dispensers for top-loading laundry washing machines are optimized for liquid detergents and face issues with clogging when using powder detergents, as the compact bed of powder prevents correct drainage into the washing tub.
Innovation Solution
A detergent dispenser with a siphon assembly and pass-through opening designed to allow free outflow of powder detergents, combined with a movable closing member to prevent liquid detergent from flowing into the tub prematurely, ensuring efficient operation with both liquid and powder types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a detergent dispenser with siphon assembly is used for liquid detergents, then liquid detergent drainage is improved, but powder detergent causes clogging at the siphon entrance
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent dispenser is divided into two separate drainage paths: a siphon assembly for liquid detergent and a pass-through opening for powder detergent. This segmentation allows each type of detergent to be discharged through the most suitable pathway, preventing clogging while maintaining effective drainage for both types.
Solution Approach 2:
Different structural features are provided at different locations within the detergent dispenser: the siphon assembly with its suction effect is positioned to handle liquid detergent, while the pass-through opening with larger clearance is positioned to handle powder detergent. Each location has optimized properties suited to the specific detergent type it handles.
2Productivity
If a pass-through opening is provided for powder detergent discharge, then powder detergent outflow is improved, but liquid detergent may flow into the tub prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
A movable closing member is provided that can dynamically switch between blocking the pass-through opening and allowing it to open. During the wash cycle, the closing member blocks the pass-through to prevent premature liquid detergent flow, while during detergent discharge, it opens to allow powder detergent to flow freely through the pass-through opening.
3Reliability
If a movable closing member is added to control detergent flow, then premature liquid detergent flow is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable closing member is designed to be automatically actuated by the washing machine's control system based on the detected detergent type, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The system self-regulates the closing member position to match the detergent type being used, simplifying the user interface while maintaining reliable flow control.
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
The solution allows for effective use of both liquid and powder detergents without clogging, ensuring complete drainage and preventing liquid detergent from entering the tub until the washing cycle begins, thus enhancing the operational efficiency of the washing machine.
Implementation Method 1
a siphon assembly shaped/structured for draining out of the compartment a liquid-type detergent stored therein when a given amount of fresh water is channeled into the detergent compartment
Implementation Method 2
a pass-through opening shaped/dimensioned so as to allow the free outflow, out of the detergent compartment, of a powder-type detergent stored within the detergent compartment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Laundry washing machine (1) comprising an outer boxlike casing (2) provided with a laundry loading/unloading opening (7a) provided on the top wall (7) of the boxlike casing (2) and allowing the access to a hollow washing tub (3) arranged inside the casing (2), and a detergent dispenser (10) which is located at the laundry loading/unloading opening (7a) and is structured to selectively drop a mixture of detergent and water into the washing tub (3); the detergent dispenser (10) comprises a substantially basin-shaped container (14) which is provided with at least one detergent compartment (15) shaped/dimensioned to be manually fillable with a given amount of detergent, and a corresponding siphon assembly (16) which communicates with the detergent compartment (15) and is shaped/structured for draining out of the basin-shaped container (14) a liquid-type detergent stored within the detergent compartment (15) when a given amount of fresh water is channeled into the detergent compartment (15). The basin-shaped container (14) is provided with a pass-through opening (15a) shaped/dimensioned so to allow the free outflow, out of the basin-shaped container (14), of a powder-type detergent stored within the detergent compartment (15) when a given amount of fresh water is channeled into the detergent compartment (15); the detergent dispenser (10) comprises a hand-operated, movable closing member (17) which is attached to the basin-shaped container (14) and is movable between a closing position in which the movable closing member (17) seals up in watertight manner said pass-through opening (15a), and an opening position in which the movable closing member (17) does not close the pass-through opening (15a) thus allowing the free outflow of the detergent stored within the detergent compartment (15) through the pass-through opening (15a).