Washing Water Tank Recess Layout for Protected Pipe Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machines with a tank for washing and/or rinsing water face issues with entangled water flow pipes and electrical supply cables during installation and movement, leading to potential damage, safety risks, and aesthetic concerns.

Innovation Solution

The washing machine design incorporates a recess on the washing and/or rinsing water tank to house the water flow pipes, keeping them contained and preventing entanglement, thus facilitating installation and movement while maintaining a compact assembly size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If water flow pipes and electrical supply cables extend between the washing machine and the tank, then the tank can be positioned separately from the washing machine, but the pipes and cables become entangled and create safety risks during installation and movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetank positioning flexibilityVSAvoidpipe and cable integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The water flow pipes are nested within a passage recess formed in the tank's casing. This nesting approach allows the pipes to be contained and protected within the tank structure itself, preventing entanglement and damage while maintaining the ability to position the tank separately from the washing machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The passage recess acts as an intermediary structure between the tank and the external environment. It provides a dedicated channel for the water flow pipes, isolating them from external interference and preventing them from becoming entangled with electrical cables or other components during installation and movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If water flow pipes extend externally between the washing machine and tank, then installation is flexible, but the pipes can be bent, damaged, crushed, or torn during installation and movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidpipe damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The water flow pipes are nested within the passage recess of the tank casing, which protects them from external mechanical damage such as bending, crushing, or tearing during installation and movement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The passage recess is designed beforehand to accommodate and protect the water flow pipes. This pre-designed protective structure prevents damage before it can occur during installation and movement, eliminating the need for corrective actions later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If water drain hoses and power supply cables are not held in position, then they can be easily routed during installation, but they become entangled and create an unsightly appearance and cleaning difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting easeVSAvoidcable and hose management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The water flow pipes are nested within the passage recess, which organizes and contains them in a structured manner. This eliminates the entanglement and disorganization that would otherwise occur with loose routing, while still allowing for straightforward installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The passage recess extracts the water flow pipes from the general routing space and provides them with a dedicated channel. This separation prevents entanglement with electrical cables and other components, simplifying overall cable and hose management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the tank is fixed to the washing machine with external pipes, then the assembly size increases to accommodate pipe passage space, but this adds to the overall envelope volume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetank placement optionVSAvoidassembly envelope volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The water flow pipes are nested within the passage recess of the tank casing, which is itself part of the tank's envelope. This nesting eliminates the need for additional external space for pipe passage, as the pipes are contained within the existing tank volume rather than requiring separate accommodation space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2325373B1Washing machine comprising a washing or rinsing reservoir

Publication Date: 2012.06.13 FAGORBRANDT

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AI summary

A washing machine (1) comprises a bodywork (2), a washing and/or rinsing water tank (5) fixed to an outer face of a wall of said bodywork (2), at least one water flow (6, 7, 8), said body (2) enclosing a washing tank. Said washing and/or rinsing water tank (5) comprises at least one recess (11) for passage of said at least one water flow pipe (6) so that said at least one flow pipe of water (6) is contained inside the casing of said washing and/or rinsing water tank (5). Use in particular in a top-loading washing machine.