Detergent Dosing Device with Multi-Point Delivery for Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry washing machines can only deliver detergent ingredients at limited points during the washing process, leading to reduced detergent chemistry access to fabrics and suboptimal washing performance, especially when water first contacts stains without detergent.
Innovation Solution
A device for automated delivery of detergent ingredients at multiple times during the washing process, featuring a reservoir, dosing manifold, one-way valve, pump, controller, and flow meter, allowing controlled dosing through both the water inlet and directly into the washing machine drum, bypassing the main inlet valve for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detergent ingredients are delivered only at limited points during the washing process, then the device complexity is reduced, but the washing performance deteriorates due to reduced detergent chemistry access to fabrics
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing system is segmented into multiple independent dosing points (first dosing point connected to water inlet, second dosing point connected to drum) that can operate at different times during the washing process. This segmentation allows detergent to be delivered at multiple critical moments, improving washing performance while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary dosing actions by delivering detergent ingredients at the first dosing point during water inlet before the main wash cycle begins. This preliminary action ensures detergent is present in the water before it contacts the laundry, addressing the problem of delayed detergent chemistry access to fabrics
2Reliability
If detergent is delivered only after water enters the washing machine, then the device complexity is reduced, but the washing performance deteriorates because initial water contact with stains occurs without detergent
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary dosing by delivering detergent ingredients through the first dosing point during the water inlet phase, before water contacts the laundry. This ensures detergent is already present in the water, enabling immediate chemical action on stains from the start of the wash cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback from sensors that detect water flow and washing machine state, using this information to trigger dosing actions at the appropriate times. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of dosing timing, ensuring detergent is delivered at optimal moments without requiring overly complex manual control systems
3Measurement precision
If the main inlet valve is bypassed for direct drum dosing, then the dosing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional valves and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing system is divided into two separate dosing paths: one through the main inlet valve for general detergent delivery, and another bypass path through the second dosing point for precise direct drum dosing. This segmentation allows each path to serve its specific function, achieving high dosing precision where needed while maintaining simplicity in other areas
Solution Approach 2:
The second dosing point acts as an intermediary mechanism that bypasses the main inlet valve to deliver detergent directly to the drum. This intermediary path provides precise dosing control for specific applications while the main inlet valve handles bulk detergent delivery, distributing system complexity across multiple components
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
This solution enables significant washing performance improvements by ensuring detergent chemistry is consistently and effectively delivered to fabrics throughout the washing process, enhancing cleaning efficiency and reducing washing time.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way valve (D) located downstream of the reservoir (A) and upstream of the second inlet (C), wherein the valve (D) prevents the flow of water from the dosing manifold (B) into the reservoir (A)
Implementation Method 2
a pump (K) located downstream of the reservoir (A) and upstream of the second inlet (C), wherein the pump (K) doses the detergent ingredients into the dosing manifold (B)
Implementation Method 3
a flow meter (L) that sends a signal to the controller to inform the controller what the flowrate is through the dosing manifold (B)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for dosing a detergent ingredient into the drum of an automatic washing machine which can include a reservoir, a one-way valve, an inlet, and a dosing manifold.