Washer Dispenser Upper Casing to Prevent Cleaning Agent Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing washers, different types of liquid cleaning agents mix and react, forming deposits that reduce washing performance, are difficult to clean, and can harbor bacteria, compromising hygiene.

Innovation Solution

A washer design featuring a dispenser with multiple divisions, an upper casing that covers the dispenser to prevent mixing, and a dosing unit that discharges surplus liquid into the housing, along with detachable and welded construction to prevent overflow and facilitate cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cleaning agents are stored in open divisions without covering, then filling and access is easy, but cleaning agents of different types mix and form deposits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to cleaning agentsVSAvoidmixing of cleaning agents forming deposits
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser is divided into multiple sealed divisions (first division for liquid detergent, second division for liquid softener) with separate access points. Each division is hermetically sealed and can be accessed independently through separate filling openings, preventing mixing of different cleaning agents while maintaining ease of filling and access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition wall with sealing elements acts as an intermediary barrier between different cleaning agent divisions. The sealing elements (such as gaskets or seals) prevent direct contact and mixing between liquids in adjacent divisions, allowing both divisions to be accessible while maintaining separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If dispenser structure is simple and open, then manufacturing is easy, but cleaning agents overflow and mix during washing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispenser structureVSAvoidprevention of cleaning agent mixing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser is segmented into multiple hermetically sealed divisions with integrated sealing elements. Each division is manufactured as a separate sealed unit, ensuring reliability in preventing mixing while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design and standard sealing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dispenser utilizes composite construction with partition walls incorporating different materials (such as plastic divisions with rubber or elastomer sealing elements). This composite approach ensures hermetic sealing and reliability in preventing overflow and mixing, while each component remains manufacturable using standard materials and processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-generated harmful factors

If dispenser is sealed to prevent mixing, then cleaning agent separation is improved, but cleaning and maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing of cleaning agentsVSAvoidcleaning of dispenser
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser is segmented into separate sealed divisions that can be independently accessed. Each division has its own filling opening and can be accessed separately for filling or maintenance, allowing cleaning and servicing without disrupting the hermetic seal between divisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dispenser is designed with preliminary access points (filling openings with caps or seals) that allow users to open, fill, and close each division without disassembling the entire structure. This preliminary provision of access points maintains hermetic sealing while enabling easy cleaning and maintenance of individual divisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3044359B1A cleaning agent dispenser comprising an upper casing
Publication Date: 2017.09.27 ARCELIK AS
  • EP3044359B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3044359B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3044359B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a washer (1) comprising a body (2), a tub (3) that is disposed within the body (2) and wherein the washing/drying processes are performed, a housing (4) that extends from the outer surface of the body (2) to the interior of the body (2), a dispenser (5) that is disposed inside the housing (4) and that has more than one division (6, 106) wherein the cleaning agents are stored, and a dosing unit (7) that is disposed in the housing (4) and that mixes the liquid cleaning agents placed into the dispenser (5) with wash water to be delivered to the tub (3).