Method for operating a dosing device for a washing machine, dosing device and washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing systems for washing machines require users to manually select and activate the detergent or treatment agent for each wash cycle, which can lead to incorrect dosages and unsuitable agents being used, complicating the process and potentially damaging laundry.
Innovation Solution
A method where the dosing device automatically selects the treatment agent based on suitability information stored for each reservoir, ensuring that only agents rated as suitable for the selected wash cycle are used, with user confirmation options for less suitable agents and manual override capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic dosing devices are used to simplify detergent loading, then user convenience is improved, but the risk of using incorrect treatment agents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device receives suitability information from the treatment agent containers (via RFID tags, barcodes, or manual input) and automatically compares it with the requirements of the selected wash program. The system provides feedback by either automatically selecting the suitable agent or alerting the user to incompatibility, ensuring reliable agent selection while maintaining automatic dosing convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device autonomously determines which treatment agent is suitable by comparing stored suitability information with program requirements. The system self-selects the correct container without user intervention, and only requires user confirmation or override when no suitable agent is available, thereby maintaining both convenience and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple treatment agents are stored in separate reservoirs, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves multiple functions: it manages multiple reservoirs, reads suitability information from different sources (RFID, barcode, manual input), compares agent properties with program requirements, and controls dosing for various wash programs. This universal control approach handles agent variety without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by changing parameters digitally rather than physically. Instead of complex mechanical switching between reservoirs, the control device uses digital parameters (suitability information, program requirements, compatibility matrices) to automatically determine which agent to use, simplifying the management interface while supporting multiple agents.
3Reliability
If suitability information is stored for each treatment agent, then reliability is improved, but information management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Suitability information is pre-stored in the control device for different treatment agents and wash programs. This preliminary action creates a compatibility database that enables rapid, reliable agent selection during operation without requiring complex real-time analysis, reducing information management complexity during actual use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simplified digital copies of agent information (suitability flags, compatibility codes, RFID identifiers) rather than storing complete agent specifications. This copying approach maintains reliability by capturing essential compatibility data while minimizing information storage and processing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves selecting and activating a wash or treatment cycle from multiple wash or treatment cycles by utilizing an input device. A treating agent e.g. detergent, a washing additive and a rinse additive are selected based on suitability information corresponding to the selected wash or treatment cycle. The treating agent is delivered to a suds container (2) at a start of the activated wash or treatment cycle. The activated wash or treatment cycle is performed by utilizing a controller (7). The treating agent is received in two supply containers (21a, 21b). An independent claim is also included for a washing machine comprising a dispensing system.