Washing Machine Detergent Drawer with Integrated Auto-Dosing Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines face challenges in retaining liquid treatment agents due to the design of dispenser trays, leading to leakage and inefficient dosing, with existing solutions either taking up additional space or requiring complex hose systems prone to clogging.
Innovation Solution
A dosing system integrated into the dispenser drawer of a washing machine, utilizing submersible pumps and removable storage containers that adapt to the available space, eliminating the need for external hoses and allowing for precise dosing of multiple treatment agents without additional space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid treatment agents are used in conventional dispenser trays, then the treatment agents can be dosed, but the liquid treatment agents leak immediately and cannot be retained in the container
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser drawer is divided into separate compartments: a storage container for liquid treatment agent and a dispensing chamber for dosing. This segmentation prevents the liquid from leaking in the storage area while enabling controlled dispensing in the dosing chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
A dosing device with a pump acts as an intermediary between the storage container and the dispensing system. The pump controls the transfer of liquid treatment agent, preventing uncontrolled leakage while enabling precise dosing when needed.
2Extent of automation
If automatic dosing devices with separate storage containers are placed next to the washing machine, then automatic dosing is achieved, but additional space is required and long hoses are prone to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container and dosing device are merged into an integrated unit that fits within the existing dispenser drawer of the washing machine. This eliminates the need for separate external containers and long hoses, achieving automatic dosing without additional space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device and storage container are nested within the existing dispenser drawer structure of the washing machine. This nesting approach allows the automatic dosing system to utilize existing space rather than requiring additional external space.
3Productivity
If dispenser trays are designed without back walls to allow water flushing, then detergent powder can be flushed into the tub, but liquid treatment agents cannot be retained
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the dispenser drawer are designed with different properties: the storage container area has enclosed walls for liquid retention, while the dispensing chamber allows water flow for flushing. This local differentiation enables both liquid retention and flushing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its behavior: the storage container remains sealed during storage to retain liquid, while the dispensing chamber opens to water flow during operation to enable flushing and dosing. The dosing device controls the transition between these states.
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
The solution ensures reliable and space-efficient dosing of liquid treatment agents, preventing leakage and clogging, while allowing for easy maintenance and cleaning, and enabling precise control over the quantity of treatment agents used.
Implementation Method 1
a feed pump (30) for liquid treatment agent arranged inside the storage container (24), which is designed to dip into the medium present in the reservoir in order to convey it
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a water-conducting household appliance 1 with a housing 2 and a treatment chamber 4 and an automatic dosing system 20 arranged within the housing 2 and controllable by a control unit 40, the dosing system 20 having at least one storage container 24 and at least one feed pump 30 arranged within the storage container 24 includes. The invention also relates to a method for automatic dosing in such a household appliance 1. The advantage of such a dosing system 20 is that it can be built into the flushing area of a conventional washing machine in a space-saving manner. This avoids additional storage containers that have to be set up separately.