Washing Machine Detergent Drawer With Integrated Auto-Dosing Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face challenges with detergent refilling, as the filling openings are often inaccessible, leading to difficulties in replenishment and risk of spills or contamination, and require separate external dosing systems that are not aesthetically pleasing and consume additional space.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a receiving space for transportable storage containers that can be fluidically coupled to an automatic dosing device, allowing for leak-free and contact-free handling of liquid or gel-like washing aids, with a fixed chamber that can be charged with fresh water and integrated dosing within the detergent flushing device, reducing maintenance and spill risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a filling opening is provided in the cover area of the storage room for refilling detergent, then the customer can refill the washing aid, but the filling opening should not be arbitrarily large because of the risk of washing aids spilling over during drawer movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a closure element as an intermediary component between the filling opening and the storage chamber. This closure element can be opened to allow refilling and closed to prevent spilling during drawer movement, thus mediating between the need for accessibility and the risk of spilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is designed to be closed during normal operation to prevent spilling before any movement occurs. The filling opening is only opened when needed for refilling, and closed immediately afterward, performing the protective action in advance of potential spilling events.
2Extent of automation
If separate external dosing systems with storage containers are used, then automatic dosing of liquid detergent is achieved, but the system is not aesthetically pleasing and requires additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage container and dosing device into a single integrated unit that is incorporated within the drawer assembly. The storage container is positioned in the upper machine room, and the dosing device is integrated with the drawer mechanism, eliminating the need for separate external dosing systems and reducing overall space consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the detergent dispensing mechanism and the storage container housing. The drawer can be manually operated to dispense detergent while also accommodating the automatic dosing system, combining multiple functions into a single universal component.
3Extent of automation
If the outlet opening of the storage device flows into a premixing chamber in the lower machine room, then automatic dosing is achieved, but the distance for the washing aid is long and requires complex routing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the premixing chamber from the lower machine room to the upper machine room, where it is integrated into the drawer assembly. This dimensional repositioning shortens the flow path by eliminating the vertical distance between the storage device outlet and the premixing chamber, allowing the detergent to flow directly into the chamber without long routing paths.
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
This solution provides a convenient and leak-proof system for detergent dosing and storage, eliminating the need for direct customer handling and minimizing contamination risks, while maintaining aesthetic appeal and conserving space.
Implementation Method 1
a storage device (18) with a receiving space (27) for transportable storage containers (28), which can be fluidically coupled to a device for the automatic dosing of a washing aid from a storage container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a washing machine, having a detergent dispensing unit (3) disposed in the upper machine space, comprising a drawer (5) accessible from the front having at least one chamber (8 to 10) for a hand-metered addition of a detergent or liquid detergent portion. A storage unit (18) for liquid or gel-like washing aids, and a unit (21, 22) each for the automatic metering of each of the stored washing aids is disposed in the upper machine space. In order to provide a customer with the choice for manual metering or automatic metering with such a washing machine, but to also provide ways for an automatically metered washing aid that are as short as possible, and low maintenance for the storage unit while avoiding further disadvantages, the storage unit (18) according to the invention is configured of a receptacle unit (27) for transportable storage containers (28), which can have a fluid connection to the unit (21) for the automatic metering of the washing aid located in the storage container (28), the outlet opening (31) of the unit ending in a stationary chamber (13) of the detergent dispensing unit (3).