Additive dispensing for washing machine appliances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machine appliances require users to manually measure and add detergent and other additives, which is energy-consuming and time-consuming, especially when determining the correct amount based on load size and type, leading to inefficiencies in the wash cycle.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for automatic additive dispensing in washing machines, where a controller manages the dispensing of wash additives by opening and closing valves based on predetermined indices and fluid levels, ensuring the right amount of additive is added without user input, optimizing the wash cycle time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If users manually measure and add detergent and additives based on load size and type, then proper additive concentrations can be achieved, but the process becomes energy-consuming and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditive concentration accuracyVSAvoidwash cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and determines the optimal additive amount based on the selected wash cycle and load characteristics before the wash cycle begins. The controller automatically dispenses the pre-determined amount of additive during the fill phase, eliminating the need for users to manually measure and add additives during the wash cycle, thus reducing wash cycle time while maintaining concentration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The washing machine system automatically performs the additive dispensing function without requiring user intervention. The controller monitors wash cycle parameters and autonomously controls the additive dispenser to release the appropriate amount of additive, making the system self-sufficient in determining and adding the correct additive concentration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If users manually measure and add detergent and additives, then proper additive concentrations can be achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditive concentration accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines the optimal additive amount in advance based on wash cycle selection and load characteristics before the wash cycle begins. By pre-calculating the required additive amount and dispensing it automatically during the fill phase, the system eliminates the need for users to perform energy-consuming manual measurement and addition processes during the wash cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If additional steps are performed to evaluate load size and type before washing, then accurate additive amount can be determined, but wash cycle time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditive amount accuracyVSAvoidwashing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs load evaluation and additive amount calculation during the cycle selection phase before the wash cycle begins. By determining the optimal additive amount in advance based on the selected wash cycle and load characteristics, the system eliminates the need for additional evaluation steps during the wash cycle, thereby maintaining additive amount accuracy while preserving washing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If automatic additive dispensing is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoiddispensing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller leverages its existing multi-functional capabilities to manage additive dispensing alongside other wash cycle control functions. By utilizing the controller's inherent ability to monitor wash cycle parameters and make decisions, the system adds the dispensing function without requiring a separate dedicated control unit, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while improving user convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11280043B2Additive dispensing for washing machine appliances

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

Additive dispensing, as provided herein, may include opening a water supply valve for a first index according to a predetermined fill index and directing a wash additive from an additive dispenser to a water supply conduit during an additive segment. The method may also include blocking the wash additive from the additive dispenser to the water supply conduit during a non-additive segment, detecting a fluid level within a wash tub following the first index, and comparing the detected fluid level to a target fluid level. The method may further include opening the water supply valve for a second index based on comparing the detected fluid level within the wash tub to the target fluid level, directing the wash additive from the additive dispenser to the water supply conduit during an additive segment, and blocking the wash additive from the additive dispenser to the water supply conduit during a non-additive segment.