Bulk Dispenser Dose Indication for Treating Chemistry Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bulk dispensing systems in cleaning appliances are not commonly used and lack user-friendly features for determining the number of doses and types of treating chemistry available, leading to user inconvenience and ambiguity in operation.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the number of doses and types of treating chemistry in a bulk dispensing system and provides this information on a user interface, using sensors and a controller to manage dispensing and display remaining doses and types, allowing for clear user feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bulk dispensing system is used to reduce refilling frequency, then convenience is improved, but user awareness of remaining doses and chemistry types deteriorates due to lack of clear indication
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by providing real-time indication of remaining doses and treating chemistry types through a user interface. The controller receives input from sensors that detect the presence and quantity of treating chemistry in the bulk dispenser, then displays this information to the user, creating a closed-loop feedback system that resolves the information asymmetry.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the bulk dispensing system and the user. It processes sensor data about remaining doses and chemistry types, then communicates this information through the user interface, serving as a mediator that translates system state into comprehensible user information.
2Ease of operation
If bulk dispensing system is implemented, then refilling frequency is reduced, but system complexity increases due to need for sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages the bulk dispensing operation, processes sensor inputs, determines remaining doses, identifies treating chemistry types, and controls the user interface display. By making the controller multi-functional, the system avoids adding separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving bulk dispensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic sensing and indication. Sensors automatically detect the presence and quantity of treating chemistry without user intervention, and the controller automatically processes this data and displays it on the user interface, eliminating the need for manual tracking or complex user interaction.
3Device complexity
If manual or single use dispensers are used, then system complexity is reduced, but user convenience deteriorates due to frequent refilling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk dispensing system performs preliminary action by storing multiple doses of treating chemistry in advance within the bulk dispenser. This pre-stored supply eliminates the need for frequent refilling operations, providing user convenience through reduced maintenance frequency while the controller and sensors manage the complexity of dose tracking.
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.