Detergent Cartridge With Spool-Wheel Dispensing Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers require frequent reloading of single-use detergent dispensers, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A multi-use detergent dispenser system featuring a detergent cartridge with a spool wheel and cams that progressively expel detergent strips into the wash tub, eliminating the need for frequent reloading by using a rotating spool wheel to coil and uncoil detergent strips for continuous use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-use detergent dispenser is used, then the dispenser structure is simple, but the user must reload the dispenser before each wash cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a rotating spool wheel mechanism that dynamically transitions between storing and dispensing detergent. The spool wheel rotates to progressively coil the detergent strip from the load compartment through the unload compartment, enabling continuous multi-cycle operation without manual refilling while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular compartment design.
2Loss of time
If a multi-use detergent dispenser is implemented, then the number of refilling operations is reduced, but the dispenser requires complex mechanisms including spool wheel and cams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coiling the detergent strip onto the spool wheel in the load compartment before the wash cycle begins. The spool wheel is pre-positioned to receive and progressively dispense the detergent strip through controlled rotation, eliminating the need for manual refilling operations during and between wash cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser mechanism serves itself by automatically rotating the spool wheel to dispense the detergent strip without external intervention. The cam mechanism automatically advances the detergent strip through the unload compartment and expels it into the wash tub, creating a self-service system that reduces user interaction to simple cartridge replacement rather than frequent refilling.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a spool wheel mechanism is used to progressively dispense detergent, then continuous detergent supply is achieved, but the device requires additional components like cams and spool wheel driver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through the cam mechanism that rhythmically advances the detergent strip at controlled intervals. The cam's periodic motion profile ensures consistent detergent dispensing timing, allowing the detergent to be progressively released one dose at a time over multiple wash cycles, extending the duration of action while using a relatively simple cam-follower mechanism rather than complex continuous dosing systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A detergent dispenser may be positioned to dispense detergent into a wash tub of a household appliance. The detergent dispenser may include a detergent cartridge. The detergent cartridge may include a detergent strip having a plurality of detergents. One or more ejection mechanisms may be used to expel the detergent from the detergent strip through an outlet of the detergent cartridge. One or more tablet ejection sensors may be used.