Detergent Dosing Tank Communication for Adaptive Wash Programs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for household appliances lack effective coordination between the dispensing apparatus and the appliance, leading to inefficiencies in substance dispensing and adaptation to varying cleaning agent requirements.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing apparatus with a tank receptacle and control means, featuring multiple chambers for different cleaning agents and data transmission capabilities between the dispensing unit, tank, and household appliance, allowing for precise control and adaptation of washing programs based on agent properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dispensing system is designed to work with multiple types of cleaning agents, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple chambers and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is divided into multiple independent chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) that can be selectively activated. Each chamber is designed to hold specific types of cleaning agents, allowing the system to handle multiple agent types without requiring a completely different dispensing mechanism for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to universally control multiple chambers and dispense different types of cleaning agents through a single interface. The control means can select which chamber to activate based on the detected cleaning agent type, making the entire system multi-functional rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each agent type.
2Reliability
If the dispensing system includes data transmission capabilities for coordination with the household appliance, then coordination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a sensor that detects the type of cleaning agent in the tank and transmits this information to the control means. The control system then uses this feedback information to automatically select the appropriate chamber for dispensing, ensuring coordinated operation between the tank, sensor, and dispensing mechanism without requiring complex manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chambers are used for different cleaning agents, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is segmented into multiple independent chambers that can be manufactured as separate components and then assembled together. This modular approach allows each chamber to be optimized for specific cleaning agent types while simplifying the overall manufacturing process, as each chamber can be produced using standard manufacturing techniques and then integrated into the complete system.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing apparatus for dispensing substances, such as cleaning, washing, or dishwashing agents, in household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, or the like, having a dispensing unit having control means to control dispensing of the substances, and a tank receptacle, a tank for stocking the substances, the tank being embodied as a replaceable unit connectable to the tank receptacle, at least one connection for data transmission between the dispensing unit and the tank, at least one connection for data transmission between the household appliance and the tank and/or the dispensing unit.