Multi-Chamber Detergent Cartridge for Timed Dishwasher Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household dishwashers require inconvenient manual dosing of detergents for each wash cycle, leading to unsatisfactory washing results or detergent waste due to incorrect dosing, and are limited in supporting complex washing programs by existing adding devices that dispense detergents all at once.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge with separate chambers for multiple cleaning agents, allowing for precise dosing and addition of specific detergents during different washing cycles, including the option for multiple chambers or a single chamber design, with features like ventilation to prevent pressure buildup and a conveying device for efficient dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If detergent is stored in the dispensing device for each wash cycle, then the adding device can be filled with the required amount, but the user must manually fill the adding device at the beginning of each wash cycle which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is pre-filled with detergent in separate chambers before use. The user simply inserts the pre-prepared cartridge into the dispensing device, eliminating the need for manual dosing at each wash cycle. The detergent is already portioned and ready for dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge system is self-contained and self-service oriented. The cartridge automatically dispenses the correct amount of detergent through its internal mechanism without requiring user intervention for dosing measurements or transfers.
2Ease of operation
If the adding device stores detergent for multiple wash cycles, then manual dosing frequency is reduced, but the amount of detergent can vary from cycle to cycle leading to incorrect dosing
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into separate chambers, each dedicated to storing a specific amount of detergent for a specific number of wash cycles. Each chamber is pre-filled with the exact amount needed, ensuring precise dosing is maintained even though the cartridge serves multiple cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge system changes the parameter of detergent quantity from variable (user-determined each cycle) to fixed (pre-determined at manufacturing). Each chamber contains a specific volume and concentration of detergent that cannot be altered by the user, ensuring consistent and accurate dosing.
3Device complexity
If detergent is added all at once to the washing liquor, then the adding device is simple in design, but complex washing programs requiring detergent addition at different times cannot be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is segmented into multiple independent chambers that can be activated at different times during the wash cycle. This allows the simple cartridge structure to support complex washing programs by dispensing detergent from different chambers at different stages of the cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge system transitions from a static single-chamber design to a dynamic multi-chamber design where different chambers can be activated at different times. The dispensing mechanism dynamically selects which chamber to empty based on the wash cycle requirements, enabling support for complex programs while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cartridge for a water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher (1) comprising a detergent dosing system (10) with at least one detergent dispenser (11) for receiving at least one cartridge (50). Said cartridge (50) has separate chambers (51a,..., 51e) for holding at least two detergents. The invention is characterised in that each chamber (51a,..., 51e) has a receiving volume for holding detergent, said volume being greater than the amount of detergent required for a washing cycle.