Washing Machine Door-Border Windows for Detergent Level Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The level indicator on existing long-fill washing machines is not easily visible to users, particularly when they are bent over loading laundry, making it difficult to check detergent levels during washing cycles.
Innovation Solution
The integration of elongated, arc-shaped windows along the border of the washing machine's access opening, which are in fluid communication with detergent and additive tanks, allowing users to directly observe the levels from a comfortable position, and a dual-purpose drawer for both long-fill and single-dose detergent introduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the level indicator is positioned on the front user interface, then the detergent level can be monitored, but the indicator is not easily visible when the user is bent over loading laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the level indicator from the front horizontal plane to the vertical edge of the door frame. This spatial repositioning allows the indicator to be viewed from above while the user is bent over, transforming the viewing geometry from front-facing to top-down without requiring the user to change posture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary transparent window in the door that provides indirect viewing access to the detergent tank interior. This window acts as a mediator between the user's line of sight and the detergent level, allowing observation without requiring the user to straighten up or move to a different position.
2Ease of operation
If the level indicator is integrated into the door border, then ergonomics are optimized for bent-over users, but the indicator may be less prominent than front-facing indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color change principles by using a colored float indicator that rises and falls with the detergent level. The contrasting color of the float against the transparent window background enhances visibility and prominence of the indicator while maintaining the ergonomic edge-integrated position.
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 ergonomics by allowing users to easily view detergent and additive levels without straightening up, optimizing space usage and improving usability.
Implementation Method 1
The window (611) is in fluid communication with the first tank (61)... The detergent present in the first tank (61) is visible through the window (611)
Data Source
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AI summary
A household appliance for washing fabric items, comprising: -a washing compartment (2); - an opening (3) for access to the washing compartment to enable introduction and extraction of the laundry items; - a hatch door (4) for access to the washing compartment (2), mobile between a closed position in which it occludes said access opening (3) and an open position in which it enables access to the washing compartment (2); - a border (5) of said access opening to the washing compartment (2), said border (5) abutting the hatch door (4) in the closed position; - a first tank (61) containing a detergent for washing; - a first indicator (610) located on the border (5) and indicating a load level of said first tank (61).