Washing machine with ion exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines do not provide easy access to the salt container for users to refill salt, complicating the regeneration process of the ion exchanger.
Innovation Solution
The salt container is integrated into the detergent drawer of the washing machine, allowing access through the same opening, with the cover visible and accessible when the drawer is pulled out, and featuring a slanted orifice for easy filling, along with a barrier to prevent brine overflow and discharge holes for excess brine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the salt container is permanently recessed into the housing, then the machine structure is compact and secure, but the user cannot easily access the salt container for refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The salt container is merged with the detergent drawer assembly, forming an integrated unit where the salt container is positioned within the drawer housing. This allows the user to access the salt container by simply pulling out the detergent drawer, combining two previously separate access points into one unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent drawer is designed to serve multiple functions: it holds detergent chambers for washing operations and simultaneously provides access to the salt container for water softening regeneration. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate access mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the salt container is made accessible from the front opening, then the user can easily refill salt, but the machine housing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The salt container is integrated into the existing detergent drawer housing structure, utilizing the same plastic molding and assembly processes. This merging approach allows both components to be manufactured together as a single assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity rather than increasing it.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent drawer housing is designed to accommodate both detergent storage and salt container functions, creating a universal component that serves multiple purposes. This reduces the need for additional separate housings or access mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the salt filling orifice is positioned deep inside the housing, then the machine structure is compact, but the user must bend down to refill salt
Solution Approach 1:
The salt filling orifice is repositioned from a deep vertical position to a horizontal position that aligns with the detergent drawer opening. This dimensional repositioning allows the user to access the orifice at a comfortable height while pulling the drawer out, eliminating the need to bend down while maintaining compact housing volume.
4Device complexity
If the drawer chambers are extended to cover the salt container area, then the drawer structure is simplified, but the salt container becomes inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer housing is segmented into distinct functional zones: detergent storage chambers and a salt container compartment. The salt container is positioned in a dedicated space that does not interfere with detergent chamber functionality, allowing both to coexist without requiring complex structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer housing structure is locally adapted in the salt container region to provide access, while maintaining the standard drawer chamber design in other areas. This localized modification preserves overall structural simplicity while enabling salt container accessibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easy and convenient refilling of salt into the salt container without bending, maintaining machine integrity and providing a transparent panel for salt level indication.
Implementation Method 1
an ion exchanger (6) that provides the water received from the outside for the washing process to be softened
Implementation Method 2
When salt decreases in the salt container, decreasing of salt is detected by a conductivity sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a body (2), a drawer (3) for cleaning agents such as detergent and softener, a housing (4) disposed at the upper side of the body (2) whereto the drawer (3) is disposed, an opening (5) disposed on the body (2) and wherefrom the drawer (3) is mounted to/dismounted from the housing (4), an ion exchanger (6) that provides the water received from outside for the washing process to be softened, a salt container (9) providing the regeneration process to be performed by keeping the resin in the ion exchanger (6) in brine, having a salt filling orifice (7) providing salt to be added from outside when the amount of salt in the salt solution therein decreases and a cover (8) that covers the salt filling orifice (7).