Washing Agent Drawer Layout for Single-Dose and Bulk Tank Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines face challenges with the need for frequent refilling of single-dose drawers and the inconvenience of replacing bulk washing agent bags, which are often located at an inaccessible position and require non-ergonomic refilling, leading to economic and usability issues.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine equipped with a versatile drawer that can be used for both loading single doses of washing agents and filling bulk tanks, allowing for flexible operation modes, including traditional and bulk tank usage, with the ability to add additional agents without dedicated tank access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-dose drawer is used for washing agents, then the drawer can be completely emptied without deposits, but the user must refill the drawer after every wash cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a single-dose drawer and a bulk tank into a unified washing agent supply system. The drawer can draw washing agent from either its own chamber or the bulk tank, merging the advantages of both single-dose reliability and bulk storage convenience into one integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a single-dose container and as an access point to the bulk tank. It can operate in different modes (single-dose or bulk supply) depending on user needs, making it a universal component that adapts to various washing scenarios.
2Productivity
If bulk washing agent bags are installed at the machine base, then multiple wash cycles can be performed without refilling, but the bags are located at an inaccessible position requiring non-ergonomic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the bulk tank from the traditional horizontal placement at the machine base to a vertical arrangement above the drawer. This dimensional change makes the tank accessible from the front through the drawer opening, eliminating the need to access the machine base for refilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer acts as an intermediary between the user and the bulk tank. Instead of directly accessing the tank at the machine base, the user interacts with the drawer, which mediates the refilling process by providing a convenient access point and guiding the washing agent into the tank.
3Ease of operation
If dedicated means are arranged on the front side of the washing machine for filling bulk tanks, then tanks can be filled conveniently, but space is occupied and machine structure is modified
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer serves multiple functions: it is the user interface for loading single-dose washing agent, it provides access to the bulk tank for refilling, and it acts as a barrier preventing water entry during operation. By making the drawer multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated filling mechanisms, reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the single-dose loading function and the bulk tank filling function into a single drawer assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate dedicated filling openings or mechanisms on the machine front, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining convenience.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing machine, in particular a laundry washing or washing/drying machine, comprising at least one wash tub, one tank (35,36) for a washing agent, and one drawer (1,1 ') for loading washing agents, in which machine the drawer (1,1 ') can be moved to at least a first position, wherein at least a portion of the drawer is in fluid communication with the tub, and a second position, wherein at least a portion of the drawer is in fluid communication with the tank (35,36).