Metering method for a dispensing module, server and dispensing module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in accurately selecting and inputting appropriate dosages of detergents and cleaning agents during washing and cleaning processes due to potential input errors and lack of necessary information, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal results.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that detect and obtain storage container information to determine output control parameters for dispensing detergents and cleaning agents, including output quantity, time, and temperature, using a module with sensors and communication interfaces to ensure precise and user-friendly dosing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users manually select and input dosages via user interface, then users have control over dosing selection, but input errors occur and users lack necessary information to select appropriate dosage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control over dosingVSAvoiddosing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The storage container autonomously provides dosing information through machine-readable codes and communicates with the output module to automatically determine and execute the correct dosage, eliminating the need for manual user input and preventing input errors while maintaining user control through programmable dosage options

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system reads machine-readable codes from the storage container to obtain dosage information and feedback about the container's identity and properties, then uses this information to automatically adjust the dispensing parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures accurate dosing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If automatic dosage determination is implemented using machine-readable codes, then dosing accuracy improves and user input errors are eliminated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosage detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Machine-readable codes serve as an intermediary carrier of dosage information between the storage container and the output module, enabling automatic recognition and dosing determination without requiring complex direct communication protocols or sophisticated sensing systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The output module is designed to handle multiple types of storage containers with different machine-readable code formats and to provide both automatic dosing based on code recognition and programmable dosing options, making the system universally applicable to various detergent types and user preferences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If dispensing is controlled based on storage container information, then dosing precision improves and consumption is minimized, but the system requires more sophisticated information capture and processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing efficiencyVSAvoidinformation processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Dosing information is pre-encoded in machine-readable codes on the storage container during manufacturing, allowing the output module to quickly retrieve and process dosage parameters without requiring real-time analysis or complex calculations, thereby improving dosing efficiency while keeping processing requirements manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3559330B1Metering method for a dispensing module, server and dispensing module
Publication Date: 2024.09.18 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP3559330B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP3559330B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3
  • EP3559330B1 patent drawingFigure 4a

AI summary

The application discloses, inter alia, a method, wherein the method comprises a supply-container information item being detected and/or obtained (411, 421) at a module (11) for dispensing a washing and/or cleaning agent, wherein the supply-container information item is representative of at least one property of a container (300) for supplying a washing and/or cleaning agent, of a guideline for use of a washing and/or cleaning agent contained in the supply container (300) and/or of a property of a washing and/or cleaning agent contained in the supply container (300), and wherein the supply container (300) is connected and/or can be connected to the dispensing module (11); and also comprises a dispensing-control information item being determined, and/or the determination thereof being effected, at least to some extent in dependence on the supply-container information item, wherein the dispensing-control information item is intended to control, at least to some extent, the operation of a washing and/or cleaning agent being dispensed by the dispensing module (11).