Magnetic Door Closure for Washing Machine Fluid Additive Receptacles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Washing machine appliances face issues with misalignment and spilling of fluid additives due to the rotational motion of the wash basket, leading to incorrect dispensing and potential spills, especially when the machine is not installed level.

Innovation Solution

A fluid additive receptacle with a door and magnetic alignment pair that automatically aligns and covers the opening, preventing spills and ensuring correct additive placement, featuring a sloped perimeter and contoured edge for secure closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate tray or container is provided for each fluid additive, then the appliance can receive and dispense multiple additives, but the door may become misaligned or fall off as the wash basket spins

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to receive multiple fluid additivesVSAvoiddoor alignment and attachment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical door attachment system with a magnetic attachment system. The door includes a magnetic element that magnetically attaches to the receptacle body, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners that can become misaligned or fall off during basket rotation. This magnetic attachment maintains reliable connection while allowing for easier assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic field interaction as a new dimension of attachment, moving beyond traditional mechanical constraint in the physical space. The magnetic force acts across a small gap between the door and receptacle body, providing attachment strength without requiring precise mechanical alignment or contact, thus resolving the alignment issue during rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the wash basket is rotatably mounted within the wash tub, then the appliance can perform washing operations, but the door may become misaligned or fall off during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing operation capabilityVSAvoiddoor alignment during rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic attachment system replaces mechanical fastening mechanisms, allowing the door to remain securely attached during basket rotation without requiring precise alignment features that could fail. The magnetic force provides continuous attachment strength regardless of the basket's rotational position or level installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the attachment system dynamic by using magnetic force that can accommodate small movements and misalignments during basket rotation. The magnetic field adjusts to maintain attachment strength even when the door experiences slight positional changes during the washing cycle, ensuring reliable operation throughout the dynamic washing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If manual addition of fluid additive is used, then no separate containers are needed, but the user must pour detergent directly into the wash basket which may not be convenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of containersVSAvoidconvenience of additive addition

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal receptacle system where a single multi-compartment receptacle can hold multiple different fluid additives (detergent, bleach, fabric softener). This eliminates the need for separate containers for each additive while still providing the convenience of automated dispensing. The door with magnetic attachment serves as a universal cover for all compartments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances the handling and alignment of fluid additives, preventing spills and ensuring accurate dispensing, even when the washing machine is not installed perfectly level, thereby improving the reliability of the additive dispensing process.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic alignment pair that automatically aligns and covers the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic alignment: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The pin may extend along a pin axis from the door to the receptacle body. The pin may be slidably positioned within the mounting channel and pivotable about the pin axis.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting motion: Pin

Data Source

PatentUS10329705B2Washing machine and fluid additive receptacle

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A washing machine, including a fluid additive receptacle, is generally provided herein. The fluid additive receptacle may include a receptacle body, a door, and a pin. The receptacle body may define a body opening to receive an additive therethrough. The receptacle body may further define a mounting channel. The door may be removably mated to the receptacle body to selectively cover the body opening. The pin may extend along a pin axis from the door to the receptacle body. The pin may be slidably positioned within the mounting channel and pivotable about the pin axis.