Systems for pod detergent dispensing in appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwasher detergent dispensing systems require frequent manual replacement of detergent pods after each wash cycle, leading to inefficiencies and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing apparatus with a housing assembly that includes a corkscrew coil and motor for rotating and conveying detergent pods from a loading chamber to a dispensing chamber, where they can be individually ejected into the wash chamber using a chute, allowing for multiple pods to be stored and dispensed automatically during the wash cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual replacement of detergent pods after each wash cycle is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to frequent user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing multiple detergent pods in the loading chamber before the wash cycle begins. The corkscrew coil mechanism pre-positions pods for automatic dispensing, eliminating the need for user intervention during the wash cycle and improving productivity without requiring complex real-time dispensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system implements self-service by automatically selecting and dispensing detergent pods using the corkscrew coil mechanism driven by the motor. The system serves itself by mechanically conveying pods from the loading chamber through the dispensing chamber without human intervention, resolving the contradiction between automation and complexity through a straightforward mechanical design.
2Reliability
If detergent pods are stored in a single chamber, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to risk of water contact and premature dissolution
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing apparatus is segmented into two distinct chambers: a loading chamber for storing detergent pods and a dispensing chamber for active dispensing. This segmentation protects detergent pods in the loading chamber from water contact while enabling reliable automatic dispensing through the separated dispensing chamber, achieving reliability without requiring overly complex protective mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The corkscrew coil mechanism acts as an intermediary between the loading chamber and dispensing chamber. It mechanically conveys detergent pods through the housing assembly, providing a controlled transfer path that protects pods from premature dissolution while enabling reliable automatic dispensing, thus resolving the contradiction between chamber separation and system simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If automatic dispensing mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves ease of operation through self-service automation where the motor-driven corkscrew coil mechanism automatically conveys and dispenses detergent pods without user intervention. The mechanical components are designed to perform the dispensing function autonomously, improving user convenience while maintaining relatively simple mechanics through direct mechanical action rather than complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated motor-driven mechanical system. The motor substitutes for manual user actions, automatically rotating the corkscrew coil to convey and dispense pods. This substitution improves ease of operation while keeping the mechanical system relatively simple by using direct mechanical drive rather than complex electronic or pneumatic mechanisms.
4Productivity
If multiple detergent pods are stored in the loading chamber, then productivity is improved by reducing refilling frequency, but volume of the loading chamber increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary action by providing a loading chamber that can store multiple detergent pods in advance of the wash cycle. This preliminary storage capability reduces refilling frequency and improves productivity, while the chamber volume is optimized to hold a practical number of pods without excessive size, balancing storage capacity with appliance space constraints.
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 automatic and efficient dispensing of detergent pods, reducing the need for manual replacement and ensuring consistent detergent supply throughout the wash cycle, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a corkscrew coil rotatably mounted in the loading chamber of the housing
Implementation Method 2
A motor is coupled to the corkscrew coil
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing apparatus for an appliance includes a housing assembly which defines a loading chamber and a dispensing chamber. The dispensing chamber is separate from the loading chamber within the housing assembly. The dispensing apparatus includes a corkscrew coil rotatably mounted in the loading chamber of the housing. A motor is coupled to the corkscrew coil. Additionally, there is a first door positioned at a first opening defined by the housing assembly at the loading chamber. The first door is configured to selectively open and close the first opening. A second door positioned at a second opening is defined by the housing assembly at the chute. The second door is configured to selectively open and close the second opening.