Washing machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines require users to exert significant effort to introduce detergent, risking dispenser breakage and restricting design due to the need for a front-facing detergent dispenser.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine design featuring a detergent dispenser positioned on the upper surface with a sliding door mechanism and a detecting unit that stops the air supply when the dispenser is open, allowing easy detergent introduction and preventing component damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the detergent dispenser is positioned on the front face to allow easy detergent introduction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the design flexibility of the front face is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of detergent introductionVSAvoiddesign restriction of front face

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent dispenser is relocated from the front face to the upper surface of the washing machine, changing the spatial dimension of access. This allows the front face to maintain a clean, integrated design while users can easily introduce detergent from above, resolving the conflict between operational ease and design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the detergent dispenser is drawn outward from the front face to allow detergent loading, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of dispenser breakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of detergent loadingVSAvoidrisk of dispenser breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By positioning the detergent dispenser on the upper surface rather than the front face, the dispenser does not need to be drawn outward from the front, eliminating the mechanical stress and breakage risk while maintaining easy access for detergent loading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The dispenser cover is designed to be opened before detergent introduction, allowing users to load detergent without exerting force on the dispenser body itself, thereby preventing breakage while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the detergent dispenser is drawn outward from the front face to allow detergent loading, then the ease of operation is improved, but the force required by the user increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of detergent loadingVSAvoidforce to draw out dispenser

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent dispenser is accessed from the upper surface by opening a cover, eliminating the need to draw the dispenser outward from the front face. This removes the requirement for users to exert force to extend the dispenser, while still allowing easy detergent loading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Productivity

If the air supply unit operates while the dispenser is open, then the productivity is maintained, but the risk of component damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation of air supplyVSAvoidrisk of component damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A detecting unit monitors the opening state of the dispenser cover and provides feedback to the controller. When the cover is open, the controller stops the air supply unit, preventing component damage while maintaining productivity when the dispenser is closed and operational.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10378138B2Washing machine

Publication Date: 2019.08.13 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A washing machine including a tub, an air supply unit, disposed over the tub, to heat and circulate air in the tub, a detergent dispenser, disposed over the tub, a dispenser cover for opening the detergent dispenser, a detecting unit for detecting when the dispenser cover is open, and a controller for stopping the operation of the air supply unit when the detecting unit detects that the dispenser cover is open.