Bulk Dispenser Dose Indication for Treating Chemistry Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bulk dispensing systems in household cleaning appliances lack user-friendly methods to determine the number of doses and types of treating chemistry available, leading to ambiguity and inconvenience in operation.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes sensors and a user interface to determine the number of doses and types of treating chemistry in a bulk dispensing system, providing clear indications to the user through visual or audible means, allowing for controlled dispensing during cleaning cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a bulk dispensing system is used to reduce refilling frequency, then the duration of action is improved, but the user experience deteriorates due to lack of information about remaining doses
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by detecting the amount of treating chemistry remaining in the bulk dispenser and communicating this information to the user through the user interface. This allows users to monitor remaining doses without manually checking, resolving the contradiction between extended duration and user awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting and reporting its own status (remaining chemistry levels) without requiring user intervention. The controller autonomously monitors the dispenser contents and communicates status, eliminating the need for users to manually assess remaining doses.
2Productivity
If bulk dispensing system provides extended operation without refilling, then productivity is improved, but information availability deteriorates regarding dose types and quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback about the types and amounts of treating chemistry remaining in the bulk dispenser. The controller detects chemistry levels and communicates this information through the user interface, preventing information loss while maintaining operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the bulk dispenser and the user interface. It detects the status of treating chemistry in the dispenser and translates this information into user-friendly communications, ensuring information availability without disrupting operational continuity.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual dispensing is used for precise dose control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases when implementing bulk dispensing with monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it controls the dispensing mechanism for precise dose delivery, detects the amount of treating chemistry remaining, and communicates status through the user interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the dispensing mechanism and the monitoring/communication systems. By centralizing control functions, it manages system complexity while ensuring precise dose dispensing through coordinated operation of various subsystems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining the number of doses and the types of a treating chemistry available in the bulk dispensing system, and providing an indication of the determination on a user interface.