Washing machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines require users to exert significant effort to input detergents into the detergent dispenser, which can lead to user inconvenience and potential damage to the dispenser, while also restricting the design of the washing machine's front surface.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine design featuring a detergent dispenser located above the tub with a separate subsidiary detergent part, connected by a flow path for wash water, and a dispenser cover that opens and closes, allowing easy access and reducing design constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the detergent dispenser is located on the front surface and withdrawn for detergent input, then detergent input is enabled, but the user must exert great force and the dispenser may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent input convenienceVSAvoidforce required for detergent input

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent dispenser is relocated from the front surface to the upper surface of the washing machine, changing the spatial dimension of access. This allows users to open the dispenser cover and input detergents from above without requiring forward withdrawal or exerting force on the front-mounted dispenser structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the detergent dispenser is located on the front surface and withdrawn for detergent input, then detergent input is enabled, but the front design of the washing machine is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent input accessibilityVSAvoidfront design flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By moving the detergent dispenser to the upper surface, the front surface is freed from functional constraints, allowing greater design flexibility and aesthetic freedom for the front panel while maintaining full detergent input functionality through the upper surface access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the detergent container is held by the detergent dispenser during detergent input, then detergent input is enabled, but the detergent dispenser may be damaged by load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent input capabilityVSAvoiddetergent dispenser structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent container input operation is extracted from the detergent dispenser structure. Users can now place detergent containers directly into the upper surface dispenser area without the dispenser needing to hold or support the container weight, separating the input function from the structural load-bearing requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2878727B1Washing machine

Publication Date: 2017.08.23 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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AI summary

Disclosed is a washing machine (100) comprising:a cabinet (110); a tub (130) provided within the cabinet (110); a rotatable drum (140) provided within the tub (130); an air supply device (160) provided on the upper surface of the tub (130) and adapted to circulate air to the center of the front portion of the tub (130); a detergent dispenser (300) located above the front portion of the tub (130) and separating a detergent part (321) to input detergents from a subsidiary detergent part (336) to input subsidiary detergents; and a detergent dispenser cover (200, 400) opening and closing the upper surface of the detergent dispenser (300).