Washer Dispenser Siphon Cap Structure for Slosh Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating appliances experience sloshing of treating chemistries in dispensers due to inertial forces when the door is closed or opened, causing fluids to spill during wash cycles.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with a siphon tube and siphon cap system, featuring a funnel and collar design that extends around the siphon tube, along with laterally and transversely extending baffles, to prevent fluid leakage and minimize sloshing by compartmentalizing fluid volumes and breaking inertial waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door is closed or opened during wash cycles, then the door must be able to move freely, but inertial forces cause treating chemistries to slosh out of the dispenser
Solution Approach 1:
The siphon cap and collar structure is designed in advance to counteract the sloshing effect before it occurs. The collar extends around the siphon tube to a level that prevents fluid from reaching the tube opening during door movement, thereby preemptively blocking the harmful sloshing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The siphon cap acts as an intermediary element between the open top reservoir and the siphon tube. It introduces a physical barrier (the collar) that mediates the interaction between moving fluid and the siphon tube, preventing direct contact and fluid loss during door operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the reservoir has an open top for filling, then it is easy to load treating chemistry, but the fluid can spill during door movement
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir opening is segmented into two functional zones: the open top area for easy filling, and the collar-protected siphon tube area for reliable fluid containment. This segmentation allows the reservoir to simultaneously provide ease of filling and prevent spillage during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The siphon cap introduces a localized protective structure (the collar) at the critical siphon tube opening area, while maintaining the open top reservoir for filling. This local modification provides enhanced fluid containment precisely where needed without compromising the overall ease of filling.
3Productivity
If the siphon tube extends into the reservoir, then it can draw fluid effectively, but fluid can reach the tube opening and spill during door movement
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is positioned to extend above the expected maximum fluid level during door movement, creating a preliminary protective barrier before sloshing can occur. This ensures that even if fluid moves during door operation, it cannot reach the siphon tube opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar extends vertically above the siphon tube opening, adding a vertical dimension of protection. This vertical extension creates a safety margin that prevents horizontal sloshing from reaching the tube opening, effectively using the third dimension to solve a two-dimensional fluid containment problem.
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 effectively prevents treating chemistry from spilling by sealing the open top of the reservoir and reducing sloshing motion, ensuring fluids remain within the dispenser during door movement, maintaining cleanliness and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a siphon tube extending from the base and fluidly coupled to the treating chamber
Implementation Method 2
the door is subjected to strong inertial forces, especially when the door stops upon reaching the closed position, which can cause the treating chemistries in the cups to slosh out
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a washing machine including a cabinet defining a housing with internal components of a conventional automated clothes washer, a treating chamber, and a dispenser having at least one reservoir with a base, an open top, and a siphon tube extending from the base. The dispenser fluidly coupled to the treating chamber. A funnel closing the open top and having a collar around the siphon tube.