Detergent Dispensing Drawer With Replaceable Auto-Dosing Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines either require manual refilling of detergent, which can be labor-intensive and prone to spills, or have inaccessible refilling points, and may involve leakage and contamination risks with automatic systems.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine design featuring a storage unit with transportable storage containers that have a fluid connection to an integrated metering unit, allowing for automatic detergent dispensing without direct customer exposure, minimizing leakage and contamination risks by using a stationary chamber for detergent storage and supply, and allowing for easy replacement of containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a storage space for liquid washing aids is arranged behind detergent chambers with a filling opening in the cover region, then automatic metering and supply of detergent is achieved, but the refilling becomes arduous and leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is divided into a removable storage container and a stationary chamber. The storage container can be easily removed and replaced by the user, while the stationary chamber remains integrated in the detergent dispensing unit. This segmentation allows automatic metering functionality to be maintained while simplifying refilling operations to simple container replacement rather than manual pouring through inaccessible openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable storage container acts as an intermediary between the user and the automatic metering system. Users fill standardized containers externally (away from the machine) and simply replace them in the storage unit. This intermediary eliminates direct exposure to washing aids during refilling and prevents spills by separating the filling operation from the machine's automatic dispensing mechanism.
2Device complexity
If the filling opening for refilling the washing aid is arranged at less accessible points, then the storage space can be integrated into the machine structure, but the refilling becomes arduous
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the storage system into a removable container and stationary chamber, the invention achieves both goals: the stationary chamber is integrated into the machine structure with automatic metering connections, while the removable container provides easy access for refilling through simple replacement rather than accessing hidden openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable storage container is designed to be filled externally by the user in a convenient location, then self-contained and ready for installation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for accessible filling openings on the machine itself, as the container arrives pre-filled or can be filled separately and simply swapped into the integrated storage unit.
3Ease of operation
If the filling opening cannot be closed off, then refilling is possible, but washing aid may spill out when moving the drawer
Solution Approach 1:
The removable storage container serves as an intermediary that is filled in a controlled external environment away from the moving drawer mechanism. Once filled and sealed, it is replaced in the storage unit where it connects to the stationary chamber. This eliminates the risk of spillage during drawer movement, as the filling opening is not present in the final installed configuration and the container acts as a sealed intermediary vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling operation is extracted from the machine structure itself and performed externally on removable containers. By taking out the filling function from the integrated machine system, the invention eliminates the need for open filling passages that could spill during drawer movement, while still providing refilling capability through external container filling and replacement.
4Extent of automation
If an exchange of containers is required, then automatic metering can be implemented, but leakage of detergent residues may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The removable storage container acts as a sealed intermediary between the user's filling operation and the machine's automatic metering system. It connects to the stationary chamber through controlled interfaces that prevent leakage of residues during container exchange, while still enabling automatic metering functionality through the integrated stationary chamber and metering pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of detergent residues during container exchange into a benefit by using sealed, standardized containers that are filled externally. Any residues remain contained within the sealed container during handling and exchange, and the controlled connection to the stationary chamber ensures clean transfer without spillage, turning the container exchange process into a leak-free operation.
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 design provides customers with the choice of manual or automatic detergent metering, reduces maintenance, and prevents spills and contamination, ensuring a leak-free and efficient detergent supply system.
Implementation Method 1
a storage container with a metering pump, which, in each instance after measuring the detergent concentration in the liquid detergent, routes the metered quantity of liquid detergent directly into the tub
Implementation Method 2
liquid detergent is continuously transported from a lower tub outlet to a slightly higher opening of the tub
Implementation Method 3
when the washing drum is moved, liquid detergent is continuously transported from a lower tub outlet to a slightly higher opening of the tub
Implementation Method 4
a storage space for liquid washing aids is arranged in the pull direction of a drawer behind widely-known detergent chambers, which open upwards to be filled with individual doses of washing powder or liquid detergent and can be flushed from above by means of water jets
Data Source
AI summary
An automatically controlled washing machine having a detergent dispensing unit that is arranged in an upper machine space of the washing machine. A drawer is arranged in the detergent dispensing unit and accessible from the front panel of the washing machine. The drawer has at least one chamber for hand-metered addition of washing powder or washing liquid. At least one storage unit in the upper machine space stores liquid or gel-like washing aid. A receptacle unit of the storage unit receives a transportable storage container that contains the liquid or gel-like washing aid and a metering unit automatically meters the liquid or gel-like washing aid. The metering unit is connected to the receptacle unit by a fluid connection and has an outlet opening that opens into a stationary chamber of the detergent dispensing unit.