Detergent dispenser

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Solution Overview

Problem

Compact dishwashers face space constraints due to traditional detergent dispensers requiring a swiveling lid, leading to detergent loss during pre-rinse and compromised washing performance when using powder detergent.

Innovation Solution

A detergent dispenser with a conduit connected to the main pump and valves for controlled water flow, eliminating the need for a swiveling lid, allowing for timed detergent addition and preventing reflux through a telescopic valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional detergent dispenser with a swiveling lid is used, then the detergent can be stored in the detergent chamber, but space is required within the washing chamber for the swiveling of the lid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent storage capabilityVSAvoidspace required in washing chamber

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lid mechanism is removed from the detergent dispenser. Instead of using a swiveling lid to release detergent, the patent uses a pump system with conduits to deliver water to the detergent chamber, dissolving and transporting detergent through outlets without requiring any moving lid components inside the washing chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A pump system with conduits is introduced to deliver water to the detergent chamber. The pump creates hydraulic flow that dissolves detergent and transports it through outlets into the washing chamber, replacing the mechanical swiveling lid mechanism with a hydraulic delivery system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Volume of moving object

If detergent tablets are placed directly into the washing chamber to overcome space constraints, then space is saved, but detergent is washed out during pre-rinse leading to loss of substance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilization in washing chamberVSAvoiddetergent loss during pre-rinse

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by storing detergent in a dedicated chamber and only releasing it when needed. The pump system controls when detergent is dissolved and delivered, ensuring detergent is added at specific program points rather than being exposed to water from the beginning of the cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detergent chamber acts as an intermediary between detergent storage and the washing chamber. Instead of placing detergent directly in the washing chamber, the chamber with controlled outlets mediates the release, allowing precise timing control to prevent premature detergent loss during pre-rinse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a swiveling lid is used to release detergent, then the detergent chamber can be sealed during storage, but the lid requires space to swivel during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent chamber sealingVSAvoidspace required for lid movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is completely removed from the system. The detergent chamber is accessed for filling through the door opening, and detergent release is achieved through pump-driven water flow and outlets, eliminating the need for any lid component that would require swiveling space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical lid system is replaced with a pump-driven hydraulic system. Instead of using mechanical lid movement to release detergent, the patent uses pump-generated water flow to dissolve and transport detergent through outlets, substituting mechanical motion with hydraulic flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient detergent distribution without space constraints, maintaining washing performance by ensuring detergent is added at specific program points and preventing detergent loss.

Implementation Method 1

water can be pumped by the main pump through the inlet or opening of the detergent chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 2

By means of the first valve the water supply to the respective conduit or hose from the main pump into the detergent chamber can be controlled

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectValve control: Valve

Implementation Method 3

an outlet providing a permanent fluid communication between the detergent chamber and the washing chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid communication:

Data Source

PatentEP2404538B1Detergent dispenser

Publication Date: 2019.08.07 ELECTROLUX HOME PROD CORP NV

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

A dish washer is disclosed comprising a washing chamber and a detergent dispenser, the detergent dispenser comprising a detergent chamber for retaining a detergent. According to the present invention, the detergent chamber further comprises an inlet being connectable to a main pump of the dish washer by means of a conduit or hose and a first valve which is openable and closable for connecting and disconnecting the inlet to and from the main pump, and an outlet providing a permanent fluid communication between the detergent chamber and the washing chamber.