Front-Loading Washer Door Water Collection for Drip Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Front-loading washing machines experience water dripping from the open door, which is exacerbated by the placement of the detergent dispenser inside the door, leading to water splashing onto the floor.
Innovation Solution
A water-collecting mechanism is integrated into the door frame, specifically a drawer with an absorbing sponge and a filtering sponge combination, controlled by springs to automatically collect water as the door opens, preventing drips from reaching the floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the detergent dispenser is arranged inside the door and sprayed with water during washing, then the detergent is effectively carried into the tub, but water drips onto the floor when the door is opened
Solution Approach 1:
An absorbent material is introduced as an intermediary between the water-sprayed detergent dispenser and the external environment. This absorbent material intercepts and retains the water droplets that would otherwise drip onto the floor, while allowing the detergent dispensing function to continue normally.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful water dripping is converted into a beneficial function by using the absorbent material to actively manage and contain the water. The water that would be waste and cause mess is instead captured and held in a controlled manner, preventing harm while maintaining the effective detergent delivery system.
2Productivity
If the door inner surface touches wet laundry and wash water, then the washing function is effective, but the door becomes wet and drips water when opened
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful water dripping function is extracted and separated from the door system by introducing a dedicated absorbent material component. This extracted function specifically addresses the water retention need without interfering with the door's primary washing function, allowing the door to remain in contact with wet laundry while preventing external dripping.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent material serves as an intermediary layer between the wet door inner surface and the external environment. It absorbs excess water from the door surface while allowing the door to continue touching wet laundry during washing, thus maintaining washing effectiveness while preventing water dripping when the door is opened.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If collecting means are added to the door frame to capture dripping water, then water dripping is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire door frame complex, the solution applies a localized absorbent material only in the specific area where water collection is needed. This local quality approach prevents water dripping effectively while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity, as only a portion of the door frame requires the additional functional element.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of porous absorbent materials provides an simple yet effective solution for water collection. The porous structure naturally captures and holds water through capillary action, eliminating the need for complex mechanical pumping or channeling systems, thus preventing water dripping with minimal added complexity.
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
Effectively reduces water dripping from the door when opened by utilizing a controlled water collection system within the door frame, ensuring efficient water retention and prevention of splashing, even when the user forgets to activate it.
Implementation Method 1
a water-collecting mechanism is integrated into the door frame, specifically a drawer with an absorbing sponge
Implementation Method 2
a drawer with an absorbing sponge and a filtering sponge combination
Implementation Method 3
controlled by springs to automatically collect water as the door opens
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a front-loading laundry washing machine wherein a cabinet (2) contains a wash tub in which a drum having a substantially horizontal axis of rotation is arranged. The machine has a load opening (3) which can be closed by means of a door (5) constrained to the cabinet. The door comprises an inner surface, which is at least partly inserted into the tub, and a frame which engages with the cabinet. The door also comprises collecting means arranged in the lower half of the frame, which collect water dripping from the door when the latter is opened.