Apparatus for dosing detergent, container for receiving and dosing powder detergent and/or liquid detergent, and corresponding system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in accurately dosing washing detergent due to difficulties in estimating laundry weight and water hardness, leading to incorrect detergent usage, which can result in residues on clothes and unsatisfactory washing results.
Innovation Solution
A device for dosing detergent, including a housing with a receiving area for a detergent container and a dosing device that adjusts detergent dosage based on the weight of the laundry, featuring a screw conveyor system for precise dosing of powder detergents and a lifting system for liquid detergents, allowing for interchangeable and disposable components to prevent contamination and simplify cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual dosing aids are used, then the user can dose detergent based on estimated variables, but the dosage accuracy remains low due to difficulty in estimating laundry weight and water hardness
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the correct detergent dosage by receiving data from the washing machine controller about laundry weight and water hardness, eliminating the need for manual estimation by the user. The dosing device then automatically dispenses the precise amount of detergent required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system receives feedback from the washing machine controller regarding the actual laundry weight and water hardness conditions, uses this information to calculate the optimal dosage, and adjusts the dispensing accordingly to achieve precise dosing.
2Measurement precision
If automatic dosing systems are firmly integrated into the washing machine, then precise and automatic dosage is achieved, but the purchase price of the washing machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing system is separated from the washing machine into an independent, portable device that can be used with any washing machine. This segmentation allows the dosing functionality to be offered as a separate purchase, reducing the base price of washing machines while maintaining precise dosing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device is designed to be universally compatible with different washing machine models and types of detergent (powder and liquid), allowing a single device to serve multiple functions and work with various machines, thereby reducing the need for machine-specific integrated systems.
3Ease of operation
If automatic dosing systems with hose lines are integrated into the washing machine, then convenient operation is achieved, but cleaning becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing device is extracted from the washing machine as a separate, removable unit. This allows the device to be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance without disassembling integrated hose lines and connections within the washing machine structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable unit with simple construction that prioritizes ease of cleaning over permanent integration. The simple design with minimal internal components makes it suitable for frequent cleaning or replacement.
4Measurement precision
If expensive sensor systems like platinum sensors are used for flow measurement, then precise flow measurement is achieved, but the system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive electronic flow sensors with a mechanical dosing mechanism using a screw conveyor for powder detergent and a lifting system for liquid detergent. These mechanical systems provide sufficient dosing precision without requiring costly platinum sensors or complex electronic flow measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components that can be manufactured at low cost. The screw conveyor and lifting system are basic mechanical elements that do not require expensive sensors or electronics, making the overall system cost-effective.
5Extent of automation
If pumps are used for dosing detergent, then automated dosing is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces pump-based dosing mechanisms with simpler mechanical dosing elements: a screw conveyor for powder detergent and a lifting system for liquid detergent. These simpler mechanical systems achieve automated dosing without the complexity and cost of pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components that can be manufactured at low cost. The screw conveyor and lifting system are basic mechanical elements that do not require expensive pumps or complex control systems, making the overall system cost-effective.
6Adaptability or versatility
If dosing systems designed for liquid detergents are used, then liquid detergent dosing is effective, but powder detergent dosing is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing device incorporates interchangeable dosing mechanisms that can be adapted to different detergent types. The system can switch between a screw conveyor for powder detergent and a lifting system for liquid detergent, allowing the same device to reliably dose different types of detergent based on the user's needs.
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
Enables accurate, simplified, and cost-effective dosing of both powder and liquid detergents, preventing residues and ensuring optimal washing results while being compatible with all washing machines and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the dosing device comprises a screw conveyor and a screw conveyor housing, wherein the screw conveyor, preferably in its full length, is inserted into the screw conveyor housing and/or is rotatably arranged so that the screw conveyor and the screw conveyor housing extend around a common screw conveyor longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
a lifting system for liquid detergents
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for dosing detergent, in particular powder detergent, is shown and described, comprising a housing (3) with at least one first receiving area (5), wherein the at least one first receiving area (5) is designed to receive a first container (9) for a detergent, a dosing device (29) for dosing the detergent, wherein the dosing device (29) has a dosing setting for dosing detergent which depends on a determined weight of laundry to be washed, wherein the first receiving region (5) has a dosing device receiving region (27) for receiving the dosing device (29), and wherein an actuating and/or driving device (39) for the dosing device (29) is arranged in the dosing device receiving region (27).