Cartridge-Based Dosing Device with Stroke Pump for Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing devices for washing machines are cumbersome, requiring users to manually estimate and add detergent for each wash cycle, and often require separate setups that complicate access and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A dosing device with a stroke-actuable pump integrated into the cartridge, which delivers a constant amount of detergent per stroke, allowing for easy replacement and automatic dosing, with an electric actuator for efficient operation and a design that enables easy cartridge handling and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual detergent addition is used, then users can control detergent amount, but users must manually estimate and add detergent for each wash cycle which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing device automatically doses the treatment agent from the cartridge into the tub without user intervention. The control unit activates the dosing pump to transfer the required amount of treatment agent, eliminating the need for manual estimation and addition of detergent for each wash cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment agent is pre-stored in cartridges within the dosing device. The dosing pump is pre-configured to transfer precise amounts automatically, so the dosing action is prepared in advance and executed automatically when the wash program starts
2Extent of automation
If separate dosing device is used, then automatic dosing is achieved, but additional fixed space and hose connections are required which complicates setup
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing device is merged with the washing machine by integrating the cartridge receiving compartment into the dispenser box of the washing machine. The dosing pump connects to the water supply line already present in the washing machine, eliminating the need for separate hose connections and additional fixed space
Solution Approach 2:
The water supply line in the washing machine serves dual purposes: providing fresh water for washing and activating the dosing pump for automatic treatment agent dosing. The dispenser box structure accommodates both traditional detergent compartments and the cartridge-based dosing system
3Productivity
If plunger is pressed into cartridge, then detergent is pressed out, but user must pay attention to the amount to be dosed with each dosing process
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors and controls the dosing process by activating the dosing pump for a predetermined time or number of strokes based on the selected wash program. This automated control eliminates the need for users to manually monitor and control the dosing amount, preventing both under-dosing and over-dosing
4Extent of automation
If large amount of detergent is stored in reservoir, then automatic dosing is facilitated, but access to containers for filling or cleaning is difficult due to cramped arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment agent storage is segmented into replaceable cartridges instead of a single large reservoir. Each cartridge can be independently removed, replaced, or refilled by simply pulling it from the dispenser box, making maintenance and refilling easy without requiring access to cramped internal spaces
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
This solution simplifies detergent dosing, increases user convenience, and ensures reliable washing results by allowing easy switching between detergents and precise dosing without manual estimation, while minimizing contamination and maintenance efforts.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (18) attached to the cartridge (17), which pump (18) can deliver a predetermined, essentially constant amount of liquid or viscous treatment agent per stroke
Implementation Method 2
an electric actuator (22) for actuating the pump (18)
Implementation Method 3
Water flows from the tub into the dosing device via hose connections, in which the additive is added to this water. The water mixed with the additive is pumped into the washing machine via a second line
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a compartment (5) provided for introducing a curing agent and comprising a receiving compartment (8) for a cartridge (17) for stocking up of fluid or semi-fluid curing agent such as washing agent or washing additive or rinsing additive. The curing agent is introduced from the cartridge into a lye container. A transverse actuated pump (18) used as a dosage unit is attached to the cartridge, and provokes a predetermined stable amount of the curing agent per hub as a partial quantity of an amount to be dosed from the cartridge.