Washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine detergent supply systems face issues with the need for multiple connectors and passages, leading to an unnatural appearance and potential contamination when detergents are directly supplied to the tub, and they lack efficiency in detecting detergent levels and refilling.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design that uses a vent pipe connector and internal passages to supply detergent from a dispenser or automatic detergent supply device, allowing for conventional detergent distribution methods whether an automatic supply device is used or not, with a system that includes water supply passages and valves to manage detergent and water flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If detergent is directly supplied to inside washing machine rather than a drawer, then detergent supply efficiency is improved, but it requires multiple passages connected to tub separately and appearance becomes unnatural
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate passages into a single integrated passage system. The detergent supply passage is integrated with the water supply passage, allowing both detergent and water to flow through a unified pathway to the tub, thereby reducing the number of separate passages while maintaining efficient detergent supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The passage system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same passage structure is used for both detergent supply and water supply, making the system multi-functional and reducing overall complexity while improving detergent delivery efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are mounted on drawer for each cartridge, then detergent supply functionality is improved, but device complexity and appearance naturalness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer is designed with a universal connector structure that can accommodate multiple detergent cartridges through a single integrated connection system. This universal connector serves all detergent supply functions, eliminating the need for separate connectors for each cartridge while maintaining full detergent supply functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple connector functions are merged into a single integrated connector assembly on the drawer. This unified connector structure handles all detergent cartridges simultaneously, reducing the total number of connectors while preserving the ability to supply different detergent types.
3Ease of operation
If drawer is exposed in opened state for detergent access, then ease of operation is improved, but appearance naturalness and contamination protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer incorporates a flexible cover or film structure that can seal the detergent compartments when not in use. This flexible sealing mechanism protects against contaminant entry while allowing easy access when needed, maintaining both appearance naturalness and operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective cover or door acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the detergent compartments. This intermediary element can be opened for refilling operations but remains closed during normal operation to prevent contaminant entry and maintain aesthetic appearance.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the present disclosure, a washing machine may comprise a cabinet (10), a tub (31) disposed in the cabinet (10) to receive water, a drum (32) rotatably disposed in the tub (31) to receive laundry, a drawer (38) disposed extractably in the cabinet (10), the drawer (38) containing detergent, a first passage (35) connecting the drawer (38) and the tub (31), a detergent supply device disposed at the cabinet (10), the detergent supply device containing detergent and a second passage (900) disposed between the detergent supply device and the tub (31) or between the detergent supply device and the drawer (38) to supply the detergent contained in the detergent supply device into the tub (31) or the drawer (38).