Front-Loading Washer Door Frame Dispenser to Prevent Percolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Front-loading laundry washing machines face issues with water and washing agent percolation, limited visibility of the laundry, uncomfortable agent pouring, and space constraints due to integrated dispensers in the door porthole glass, leading to leakage and ergonomic challenges.

Innovation Solution

A front-loading washing machine design featuring an extractable washing agent dispenser housed in the door frame, allowing easy access and pouring with the door closed, and a hydraulic system for efficient agent delivery, reducing percolation and enhancing ergonomics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the washing agent dispenser is built in the porthole glass, then the door structure is compact, but water and washing agent percolation occurs onto the floor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor structureVSAvoidwater percolation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The washing agent dispenser is extracted from the porthole glass and relocated to the door frame. This separation eliminates the percolation problem caused by integrated dispensers in the porthole glass, while the door frame housing provides adequate structural space for the dispenser.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Area of stationary object

If the washing agent dispenser is built in the porthole glass, then the door structure is compact, but visibility of the internal portion of the rotary drum is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor structureVSAvoidvisibility through porthole glass
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser is removed from the porthole glass area and positioned in the door frame. This extraction clears the porthole glass of obstructions, restoring full visibility of the drum interior while maintaining door structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If the washing agent dispenser is in a relatively low position, then the door structure is simplified, but pouring washing agents becomes uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor structureVSAvoidpouring washing agents
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser is repositioned from a low vertical position to an elevated position in the door frame. This dimensional change in vertical placement improves ergonomics for pouring washing agents while the door frame structure maintains overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the washing agent dispenser is permanently associated with the washing machine, then the machine structure is integrated, but pouring washing agents requires the door to be open and occupies much room

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine structureVSAvoidspace required for loading
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser is segmented as a separate, extractable component from the main machine body. It can be removed from the door frame housing, allowing users to pour washing agents into it outside the machine, thereby reducing the space required for the loading operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2633115B1A front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine
Publication Date: 2016.02.24 INDESIT COMPANY SPA
  • EP2633115B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2633115B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2633115B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a front-loading laundry washing machine (1) for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine, comprising a cabinet (2) within which a wash tub (3) is arranged, and having a load opening (5) that can be closed by a door (6) constrained to said cabinet (2), said door (6) comprising a porthole glass (61) and a frame (62; 62') supporting said porthole glass (61). The invention is characterized in that said frame (62; 62') comprises a housing (8; 8') adapted to receive a washing agent dispenser (7), said dispenser (7) being extractable from said housing (8; 8').