Metering device for a cleaning machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing systems for cleaning and care products in dishwashers lack a convenient and needs-based dosing mechanism, often requiring manual adjustment and separate placement of multiple products, which can lead to inefficient use and limited adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A dosing device with interchangeable cartridges that can hold various cleaning and care products, allowing for targeted and automatic dosing, including features like gravity-fed outlets, ventilation to prevent oxidation, and RFID tags for optimal dosing programs, ensuring efficient use of space and product life monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate cleaning and care products are used in the dishwasher, then the cleaning and care functions are comprehensive, but the dosing process becomes complex and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate cleaning and care products into a single integrated cartridge system. The cartridge contains multiple compartments that hold different products (dishwashing liquid, rinse aid, salt), which are automatically dosed by the control unit. This merging eliminates the need for manual dosing of multiple separate products while maintaining comprehensive cleaning and care functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple types of cleaning and care products through a single interface. The control unit can automatically select and dose different products based on the detected soiling level and cycle type, making the system adaptable to various cleaning needs without requiring separate manual dosing mechanisms for each product.
2Ease of operation
If traditional dosing methods are used for cleaning products, then the dosing is simple, but the dosing amount cannot be adapted to actual needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a sensor unit that detects the soiling level of dishes and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the dosing amount of cleaning and care products. This feedback mechanism enables needs-based dosing while maintaining ease of operation, as the user simply loads the dishes and the system handles the adaptive dosing automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device performs self-service by automatically selecting and dosing the appropriate amount of cleaning and care products based on sensor input. The control unit independently manages the dosing process without requiring manual intervention or adjustment by the user, combining simplicity of operation with adaptive dosing capabilities.
3Stability of the object's composition
If cleaning products are stored in separate containers, then product stability is maintained, but the dosing process requires multiple placement locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a nested structure where multiple product containers are housed within a single cartridge, which is then inserted into the dosing device. This nesting approach maintains product stability by keeping each product in its own compartment while improving ease of operation, as the user only needs to insert one cartridge rather than placing multiple separate containers in different locations.
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
Enables easy, needs-based dosing of multiple cleaning and care products, reducing waste and improving cleaning performance by ensuring the right amount of each product is used at the right time, while maintaining product stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one outlet opening arranged in such a way that gravity-driven release of the substance from the container is possible
Data Source
AI summary
What is disclosed is in particular a metering device for metering substances such as cleaning and/or care products, the metering device comprising at least an energy source, a control unit, a sensor unit and at least two cartridges for accommodating in each case at least one cleaning and/or care product, wherein the at least two cartridges can respectively be coupled to the metering device.