A combined detergent and filter unit, and a machine configured to use the combined unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing detergents often require ad hoc dosing and can lead to incompatibility issues and rinsing away of active substances, while microfiber contamination in sewage water poses environmental concerns, particularly with the impending EU directive for fine filtration.
Innovation Solution
A combined detergent and filter unit with liquid permeable filter members for controlled release and filtration, allowing for optimized chemical distribution and microfiber removal, featuring a sealing edge for secure mounting in washing machines, ensuring that only active surfactants are used at the appropriate temperature and that water is filtered throughout the washing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all detergent components are released simultaneously into the aqueous liquor, then the dosing process is simplified, but component incompatibility problems arise and controlled release at defined points in time becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent portion is divided into multiple pockets, each containing different detergent components. The pockets are separated by heat-sealed barriers that prevent premature mixing, allowing controlled release of individual components at appropriate times during the wash cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temperature-dependent release mechanisms where pockets are designed to open at specific temperatures. This allows components to be released at defined points in time based on temperature parameters, ensuring compatibility by preventing premature mixing of incompatible substances.
2Productivity
If active substances are released in the first cold washing cycle, then the washing process is simplified, but the active substances are rinsed away and become non-active
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent portion is pre-prepared with all necessary components in separate pockets, but the actual release is delayed until the appropriate temperature is reached. This preliminary preparation ensures that active substances are only released when needed, preventing premature rinsing away and maintaining their effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature-sensitive release mechanisms control when active substances are released. Pockets remain sealed during cold phases and only open when the washing machine reaches the appropriate temperature, ensuring substances are released at optimal times and not lost during cold rinsing phases.
3Reliability
If multiple detergent containers are used for different phases, then controlled release is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detergent containers are merged into a single integrated detergent portion with multiple internal pockets. The pockets are separated by heat-sealed barriers within one unit, combining the functionality of multiple containers while simplifying user operation to a single loading action.
Solution Approach 2:
The single detergent portion serves multiple functions by containing different detergent components for different wash phases within one unit. The universal design allows one container to replace multiple containers, achieving controlled release without increasing the number of user-facing components.
4Ease of manufacture
If bulk-packaged detergents are used requiring ad hoc dosing, then manufacturing and storage are simplified, but consumer convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent is pre-dosed into single-use portions with all necessary components for one complete wash cycle already separated into appropriate pockets. This preliminary action eliminates the need for consumer dosing decisions and ad hoc measurement, while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized portion production.
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
This solution optimizes detergent use by ensuring only active surfactants are used at the right temperature, minimizing waste, and significantly improves filtration levels, simplifying user operation by eliminating the need for separate detergent loading and providing a visual dirt indicator.
Implementation Method 1
the combined detergent and filter unit comprises two sides, an inlet side and an outlet side, and said sides are intended for inlet and outlet liquid, respectively, into and out from the combined detergent and filter unit, wherein said inlet side and said outlet side are constituted by liquid permeable filter members
Implementation Method 2
The combined detergent and filter unit is provided with a sealing edge configured to attach the inlet side to the outlet side, and configured to serve as a sealing when the combined detergent and filter unit is mounted in a unit receiving member of the washing machine such that liquid is forced to pass through the combined detergent and filter unit, via the filter members
Implementation Method 3
Washing cycles therefore often start at a low temperature that is successively increased to a set desired end temperature
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~9
Figure 10~12
AI summary
A combined unit (2) for containing detergent or other chemical compounds, mainly for washing or dishwashing machines, the combined unit comprises at least one pocket (4) configured to contain at least one compound intended for at least one phase of a washing program. The combined unit comprises two sides, an inlet side (6) and an outlet side (8), and the sides of the unit (2) are intended for inlet and outlet liquid, respectively, into and out from the combined unit. The inlet side and said outlet side are constituted by liquid permeable filter members. In one embodiment the inlet side filter member is denser than the outlet side filter member, and that the inlet side filter member is capable of filtering out micro fibres in the inlet liquid. Also provided is a machine adapted to use the combined unit.