Fluid Additive Collector and Spout for Spill-Resistant Washer Dosing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Washing machine appliances face challenges in effectively and reliably directing fluid additives into the gap between the wash tub and basket, leading to spills and potential damage to clothing due to the changing gap location during operation, especially when the machine is not level.

Innovation Solution

A fluid additive dispenser system with a collector positioned below multiple containers for different additives, directing them to a spout above the gap between the wash tub and basket, reducing spills and misdirection by maintaining consistent delivery despite the gap's movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate containers are used for each fluid additive, then multiple additives can be stored and dispensed, but the complexity of the device increases and spilling risk increases due to multiple discharge points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle multiple fluid additivesVSAvoidnumber of containers and discharge mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate container-discharge mechanisms into a single integrated fluid additive collector that receives additives from multiple sources and consolidates them into one discharge spout, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to handle multiple additives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If containers direct fluid additives into the gap between wash tub and basket, then additives can be delivered to the wash area, but the gap location changes during operation causing spills and misdirection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid additive delivery to wash areaVSAvoidaccurate delivery of fluid additives

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid additive collector acts as an intermediary component between the containers and the wash area, providing a stable intermediate collection point that compensates for gap movement and ensures reliable delivery through a fixed discharge spout

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the wash basket rotates during operation, then washing function is achieved, but the gap location relative to containers changes causing fluid additive spilling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing operation capabilityVSAvoidfluid additive spilling and damage to clothing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by collecting fluid additives in a stable collector before discharge, ensuring they are positioned correctly in advance of the wash cycle, which prevents spilling during basket rotation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9027370B2Fluid additive dispenser

Publication Date: 2015.05.12 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A fluid additive dispenser is provided. The fluid additive dispenser includes a fluid additive collector that is disposed below containers configured for receipt of fluid additives. The fluid additive collector receives fluid additives from the containers and directs the fluid additives to a spout. By directing the fluid additives to the spout, spilling and leaking of the fluid additives can be reduced, e.g., during operation of a washing machine appliance.