Adapter-Based Dosing System Coupling for Dishwasher Water Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an easy and efficient way to couple dosing systems with water-conducting household appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, ensuring compatibility with varying temperatures and chemical resistance, while allowing for independent handling and cost-effective manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A dosing system comprising a cartridge with multiple chambers and a dosing device that can be coupled to a water-carrying appliance, featuring a movable design, acid and alkali resistance, and chemically inert materials, with a charging station adapter for energy and data exchange, and a control unit for optimal dosing programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dosing system is designed to be permanently integrated into a dishwasher, then reliability and stability are improved, but adaptability and ease of repair deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing system is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable dosing device and replaceable cartridges containing different preparations. This segmentation allows the dosing device to remain permanently integrated into the dishwasher (improving reliability), while the cartridges can be easily exchanged to adapt to different cleaning needs (improving adaptability). The modular design also facilitates easier repair and maintenance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dosing system is made movable and removable, then adaptability and ease of repair are improved, but reliability and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a stable dosing device housing that remains fixed in the dishwasher, and removable cartridge modules. This allows the overall system to be adaptable (cartridges can be removed and replaced) while maintaining stability (the dosing device itself remains securely integrated). The segmentation resolves the contradiction by applying different degrees of permanence to different components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is nested within the dosing device, with the cartridge containing the preparation and the dosing device providing the mechanical and control infrastructure. This nesting allows the smaller, removable cartridge to be housed within the larger, fixed dosing device, combining adaptability (removable cartridge) with stability (fixed dosing device) in a single integrated assembly.
3Reliability
If dosing systems are permanently integrated into dishwashers, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing system is manufactured as separate modular components (dosing device and cartridge) that can be produced independently using different manufacturing processes optimized for each component. This segmentation reduces overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to producing a single integrated permanent system, while still achieving reliable operation through the standardized connection interface between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device is designed as a universal platform that can work with multiple types of cartridges containing different preparations. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing costs by allowing the same dosing device housing and mechanism to be produced in larger volumes for different cartridge types, rather than manufacturing dedicated dosing systems for each preparation type.
4Reliability
If dosing systems use chemically resistant materials for high temperature operation, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses different materials for different components based on their specific requirements: the dosing device housing uses materials resistant to high temperatures and chemicals, while the cartridges use materials appropriate for containing specific preparations. This segmentation allows optimized material selection for each component, achieving necessary chemical stability without unnecessarily increasing manufacturing costs across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device and cartridges utilize composite material constructions that combine materials with different properties. For example, the dosing device may use heat-resistant polymers or coated metals that provide chemical resistance at elevated temperatures while maintaining manufacturability and cost-effectiveness. The cartridge materials are selected based on the specific preparation they contain, optimizing both performance and cost.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Adapter (77) for coupling a dosing system (1,2) to a water supply line, comprising a water inlet (78) and a water outlet (79), which may be coupled to a water supply line, such that water can flow through the adapter (77) and means for fixing a dosing device (2) on or in the adapter (77), wherein the dosing device (2) comprises a controller (16), a sensor unit (17), at least one actuator (18), connected to a power source (15) and the controller (16) such that a control signal from the controller (16) brings about a movement of the actuator (18) whereupon a product release is carried out or stopped. The means for foxing the dosing device (2) on or in the adapter (77) and the dosing device (2) are designed such that in the coupled state a fluid-tight connection is formed between the adapter (77) and the dosing device (2) which prevents inflow of water into the adapter (77) and an outflow of flowing water from the adapter (77).