Bistable Dosing Actuator for Low-Energy Dishwasher Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing systems for household appliances, such as dishwashers, face challenges in minimizing energy consumption while ensuring efficient and precise dispensing of detergents and cleaning agents, particularly in low-temperature cycles with reduced water consumption, and require innovative solutions to optimize battery life and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A self-sufficient dosing device with a cartridge system that utilizes a bistable actuator/closure element combination, allowing for pulse-controlled operation to minimize energy consumption, and incorporates a gravity-induced release mechanism for detergents, ensuring accurate dosing and compatibility with elevated temperatures and varying pH levels of cleaning agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a self-sufficient, electrically operated dosing device is supplied with energy via a non-rechargeable battery, then the dosing device can operate independently, but the energy consumption must be minimized to ensure long functional life and reduce battery capacity/size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using a bistable actuator that operates in discrete switching events rather than continuous operation. The actuator alternates between two stable states (open and closed valve positions), requiring energy input only during state transitions. This periodic, event-driven operation minimizes energy consumption while maintaining dosing functionality over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The bistable actuator incorporates self-latching mechanisms where magnetic fields and mechanical elements maintain the valve position without continuous energy input. Once switched to a stable state, the actuator holds that position autonomously, serving itself to maintain dosing control without additional energy consumption from the battery.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a bistable actuator is used for pulse-controlled operation, then energy consumption is minimized, but the actuator mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuator and closure element into a single integrated bistable mechanism. The actuator incorporates both the magnetic field generation components and the mechanical closure elements within one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate actuation and closure mechanisms. This integration reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the pulse-controlled, energy-efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bistable actuator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the actuation mechanism and the closure element, provides pulse-controlled operation, and maintains stable positions without continuous energy input. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate components into a single universal element, reducing system complexity.
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 achieves low energy consumption, extended battery life, and precise dosing of detergents and cleaning agents, ensuring effective cleaning performance even in low-temperature cycles with reduced water usage, while maintaining operational efficiency and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is designed in such a way that, controlled by a suitable pulse, it assumes one of two end positions and maintains the reached end position stably without control
Implementation Method 2
The actuator/closure element combination utilizes a bistable actuator/closure element combination, allowing for pulse-controlled operation to minimize energy consumption
Implementation Method 3
incorporates a gravity-induced release mechanism for detergents
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Dosing system (1,2), in particular, for positioning within a dishwasher, comprising at least one cartridge (1) for free-flowing washing or cleaning agents with a number of chambers (3a, 3b, 3c) for the physically separate housing of differing preparations of a washing or cleaning agent and a dosing device (2) which may be coupled to the cartridge (1), comprising at least one power source (15), a controller (16), a sensor unit (17), at least one actuator (18), connected to the power source (15) and the controller (16) in such a way that a control signal from the controller (16) brings about a movement of the actuator (18), a closure element (19), coupled to the actuator (18) in such a way that a movement of the actuator (18) moves the closure element (19) into a closed or open position, at least one dosing chamber (20), which, with the cartridge (1 ) and dosing device (2) in the assembled state, is connected in a communicating manner to at least one of the cartridge chambers (3a, 3b, 3c), the dosing chamber (20) having at least one inlet (21), for the inflow of washing or cleaning agent from a cartridge chamber (3a, 3b, 3c) and an outlet (22) for the outflow of washing or cleaning agent from the dosing chamber (20) into the environment, wherein at least the outlet (22) from the dosing chamber (20) may be closed or opened by the closure element (19), wherein the actuator (18) and the closure element (19) cooperate in such a way as to form a pulse-controlled bistable valve.