Additive Dispensing Assembly with Pod and Bulk Tank Venturi Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing appliances face challenges in accommodating both single-cycle and bulk dispensing systems for wash additives, with difficulties in ensuring complete dissolution of additive pods and precise control of additive flow, and often require complex and costly modifications.
Innovation Solution
An additive dispensing assembly that includes a dispenser with a compartment for additive pods and a bulk tank, where water intake directs fluid to the pod for dissolution, and a Venturi pump ensures precise control of additive flow, allowing for both single-cycle and multi-cycle dispensing without the need for extensive modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bulk tank dispensing system is used, then multiple cycle dispensing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is designed to perform multiple functions: it can accommodate both additive pods for single-cycle use and connect to a bulk tank for multi-cycle dispensing. The dispenser includes a compartment that can receive an additive pod or connect to a bulk tank, allowing a single device to serve both single-use and bulk dispensing needs without requiring separate systems.
2Measurement precision
If an active pump is used for bulk tank dispensing, then additive flow control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a Venturi pump to dispense liquid additive from the bulk tank. The Venturi pump utilizes fluid dynamics principles where water flow through a restricted passage creates a pressure differential that draws additive from the bulk tank through a dip tube. This passive pumping mechanism eliminates the need for expensive active electric pumps while maintaining precise flow control through the Venturi effect.
3Ease of operation
If additive pods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but dissolution completeness worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser directs water flow in a periodic manner onto the additive pod using a showerhead with multiple openings. This creates intermittent water jets that repeatedly impact the pod from different angles, enhancing dissolution. The periodic water flow pattern ensures complete dissolution of the pod contents while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The showerhead design creates turbulent water flow and mechanical agitation as water jets impact the additive pod. This mechanical action through water impact and flow turbulence enhances the dissolution rate and completeness of the pod contents, ensuring reliable dissolution while keeping the system easy to operate.
4Adaptability or versatility
If space is allocated for bulk tank, then multi-cycle capability is improved, but space for pod accommodation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is segmented into distinct functional zones: a pod compartment area and a bulk tank connection area. The bulk tank is positioned separately and connects to the dispenser through a designated interface, allowing the pod compartment to maintain its intended volume while the bulk tank occupies separate space. This segmentation enables both single-cycle and multi-cycle capabilities without compromising pod accommodation space.
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
The solution enables improved dissolution of additive pods and precise control of additive flow, accommodating both single-cycle and bulk dispensing systems within a single appliance, enhancing user convenience and reducing assembly complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
A Venturi pump may be used to dispense the liquid additive from the bulk tank
Data Source
AI summary
A washing appliance or additive dispensing assembly, as provided herein, may include a dispenser, a water intake, and a bulk tank. The dispenser may include a compartment to receive an additive pod. The dispenser may define a nozzle above the wash chamber to direct a wash fluid to a wash chamber. The water intake may be mounted to the dispenser in upstream fluid communication with the compartment to direct a water flow to the additive pod. The bulk tank may be spaced apart from the dispenser within a washing appliance. The bulk tank may define a reservoir in upstream fluid communication with the compartment to direct an additive flow thereto. The bulk tank may be attached to the dispenser in fluid parallel to the water intake.