Dosing unit, water-bearing household appliance and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-bearing household appliances, such as dishwashers, require manual detergent dosing, which can lead to incorrect or forgotten detergent amounts, resulting in suboptimal cleaning results.
Innovation Solution
A dosing unit with a reversibly deformable storage cartridge and dosing device that automatically dispenses the correct detergent amount using peristaltic transport, eliminating the need for manual refilling and ensuring consistent detergent delivery throughout multiple washing cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual detergent dosing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but dosing precision and reliability deteriorate due to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing system automatically performs detergent dosing without user intervention. The container is deformed by an actuating mechanism to transport detergent, and the dosing device automatically separates and releases the correct amount, eliminating manual dosing errors while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of user dosing is replaced with an automated actuating mechanism that deforms the container in a controlled manner. This substitution enables precise dosing through mechanical deformation patterns while the overall system remains relatively simple in structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If a rigid container is used for storing detergent, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to transport detergent effectively deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic reversibly deformable structure. The container can change its shape in response to actuation forces, enabling effective detergent transport through controlled deformation while still being manufacturable with standard precision for the flexible material used.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is made from flexible material that can be reversibly deformed. This flexible shell allows the container to change shape during the dosing cycle, enabling effective detergent transport toward the outlet while maintaining manufacturing simplicity suitable for flexible materials.
3Productivity
If the container is deformed to transport detergent, then detergent transport efficiency is improved, but container structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container undergoes periodic deformation cycles to transport detergent. The container is deformed in a controlled pattern to move detergent toward the outlet, then returns to its original stable shape. This periodic action maintains both transport efficiency and structural stability through reversible deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed with reversible deformability as a pre-planned feature to accommodate the stresses of deformation. The material and structural design anticipate the deformation forces, allowing the container to flex during transport cycles while maintaining overall structural integrity and returning to its stable original shape.
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
The dosing unit provides a convenient, automatic, and efficient method for dispensing detergent, ensuring correct dosing without user intervention, enhancing cleaning performance and reducing the risk of errors.
Implementation Method 1
by deforming the container according to a predefined pattern in time detergent of the bulk is transported towards the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A dosing unit (100) for automatically dosing a dosing amount (122) of a solid detergent provided by a storage cartridge (110) for storing a bulk (112) of the solid detergent, for use in an automatic dosing system (20) of a water-bearing household appliance (1), wherein the storage cartridge (110) comprises a reversibly deformable container (114) with an outlet (116), wherein by deforming the container (114) according to a predefined pattern in time detergent of the bulk (112) is transported towards the outlet (116), and a dosing device (120) is attached to the storage cartridge (110) on the outlet (116) for separating the dosing amount (122) from the bulk (112) and releasing the separated dosing amount (122).