Laundry Detergent Dosing Chamber for Variable Wash Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic laundry care composition dispensing devices lack flexibility in dosing and do not allow for variations based on water fill levels, and consumers desire improved monitoring and control over dosing amounts.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses a Venturi tube or mechanical pump to dispense detergent, connected to the washing machine via water supply hoses, with an intermediate dosing chamber and electronic control system to manage dosing, including a machine-generic algorithm for determining wash cycle and dosing the correct products, and a user interface for manual control and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If unit dose forms of detergent are used, then dosing is pre-measured and easier to use, but variations in dosing based on water fill level are not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the dosing process into two independent stages: (1) an intermediate chamber that receives and stores a predetermined amount of detergent in unit dose form, and (2) a dosing chamber that transfers controlled amounts from the intermediate chamber to the washing machine based on water fill level detection. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the ease of pre-measured unit dose forms while adding flexibility through electronic control of the second stage dosing.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate chamber acts as an intermediary between the unit dose detergent container and the washing machine. It receives the predetermined detergent amount, stores it temporarily, and then allows controlled dispensing to the dosing chamber based on sensor feedback about water fill level. This intermediary component enables the system to bridge the gap between fixed unit dose forms and variable dosing requirements.
2Extent of automation
If automatic dispensing devices are used, then dosing is automated, but consumer monitoring and control over dosing amounts is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect water fill level and provide feedback to the control unit, which then adjusts dosing amounts accordingly. Additionally, the transparent intermediate chamber allows visual feedback to consumers about detergent levels, and the control unit can provide information about dosing amounts being dispensed, maintaining automation while preventing information loss.
3Device complexity
If Venturi tube mechanism is used, then no moving parts are required, but mechanical pump provides more reliable dosing control
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between two dosing mechanisms based on operational requirements: the Venturi tube mechanism (with no moving parts) can be used for applications prioritizing mechanical simplicity, while the mechanical pump system (with motor-driven control) is available when more precise and reliable dosing control is needed. The control unit can switch between or combine these mechanisms depending on the specific washing conditions and detergent properties.
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 precise and flexible dosing of laundry care compositions, accommodating varying wash cycles and water levels, while allowing consumers to monitor and control dosing amounts, suitable for both residential and industrial washing machines.
Implementation Method 1
The inventive device includes a Venturi tube
Data Source
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AI summary
A non-intrusive device (1) for automatically dispensing at least one liquid laundry care composition to an automatic laundry washing machine (6), the device (1) being located along the water supply feed to the washing machine (6) with incoming (2,4) and outgoing (12,14) water supply hoses connected to the device (1). The device employs a Venturi tube mechanism or a pump to dose the laundry detergent care composition. The dosing is either manually controlled or controlled by a machine-generic algorithm capable of determining the actual cycle at any duration of wash for various cycle designs from various washing machines, without the input of precise cycle design; and dose the correct products correctly and is capable of distinguishing between major water addition and a water pulse.