Washing machine having detergent supply device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine detergent supply devices face issues with water leakage due to imperfect thermal welding of frames, leading to uneven distribution of water and increased manufacturing costs, which affects washing performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A detergent supply device with a housing, a detergent case, a water supply frame, and a cover frame, featuring passage ribs, guide ribs, and drain slots that ensure even water distribution and prevent leakage by guiding water flow and managing pressure, along with coupling protrusions and locking hooks for easy assembly and secure coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal welding is used to join the upper frame and lower frame to prevent water leakage, then water leakage is prevented, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal welding process with a mechanical coupling system consisting of an upper frame, lower frame, and connecting members. The connecting members include engagement portions that mechanically interlock the frames, eliminating the need for thermal welding while maintaining structural integrity and preventing water leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces connecting members as intermediary elements between the upper frame and lower frame. These connecting members serve as mediators that join the frames through mechanical engagement rather than thermal welding, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring reliable water leakage prevention.
2Power
If water is supplied at high pressure to ensure adequate detergent mixing, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but water leakage through imperfect welds occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal welded structure with a mechanical coupling system that can withstand high water pressure without leaking. The interlocking connecting members create sealed joints that maintain structural integrity under pressure, allowing high-pressure water supply for effective detergent mixing without the leakage problems associated with thermal welding.
3Strength
If thermal welding process is used to join frames, then structural integrity is achieved, but productivity decreases due to complex manufacturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the frame structure into separable components (upper frame, lower frame, and connecting members) that can be manufactured independently and then assembled through simple mechanical engagement. This segmentation allows for parallel manufacturing of components and simplifies the assembly process, significantly improving productivity while maintaining structural integrity through the interlocking design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex thermal welding process with a simple mechanical assembly process involving insertion and engagement of connecting members. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized welding equipment and processes, reduces manufacturing time, and improves productivity while ensuring adequate structural integrity for the detergent supply device.
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine equipped with a detergent supply device has an improved component coupling structure capable of enhancing productivity. A washing machine includes a main body, a drum rotatably mounted in the main body, and a detergent supply device disposed at an upper portion of the main body to supply a detergent into the drum. The detergent supply device includes a housing, a detergent case to store a detergent, the detergent case being movably coupled to the housing, a water supply frame coupled to an upper portion of the housing to guide water to the detergent case, and a cover frame to sealingly cover an upper portion of the water supply frame, the cover frame including a plurality of coupling protrusions protruding from an inner peripheral surface thereof to support a bottom surface of the water supply frame.