Dishwasher Automatic Detergent Dosing for Multi-Cycle Refill Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers require users to manually load and dose detergent before each wash cycle, which is inconvenient, especially for elderly users, and often necessitates storing detergent out of reach of children, leading to difficulties in precise dosing and frequent refilling.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design featuring a detergent container that can hold sufficient detergent for multiple wash cycles, equipped with a dosing device and electronic control system that automatically dispenses the correct amount during each cycle, eliminating the need for frequent refilling and precise dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the detergent container is sized for single-use doses, then the dosing precision is simple, but the refilling frequency increases and manual dosing burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent container is divided into two functional zones: a storage chamber for bulk detergent and a dosing chamber for precise dispensing. The shutter member segments the release mechanism, controlling detergent flow from storage to dosing chamber and then to the washing container. This segmentation allows bulk storage while maintaining precise single-dose dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-fills the dosing chamber with the exact required detergent amount during bulk loading, eliminating the need for repeated manual dosing measurements. The electronic control device pre-calculates and prepares the correct dose in advance of each wash cycle, reducing both refilling frequency and manual intervention.
2Loss of time
If detergent is stored in large quantities for multiple wash cycles, then the refilling frequency decreases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs dosing operations without user intervention. The electronic control device monitors detergent levels and automatically activates the dispensing actuator to transfer precise amounts from the bulk storage to the washing container. The shutter member self-regulates the flow, eliminating the need for complex manual dosing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical dosing mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses sensors and actuators to manage detergent dispensing. The electronic control device tracks usage and automatically activates dispensing, substituting intricate mechanical dose-adjustment mechanisms with simpler electronic control logic.
3Device complexity
If manual dosing is required for each wash cycle, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs dosing operations without user intervention. The electronic control device monitors detergent levels and automatically activates the dispensing actuator to transfer precise amounts from the bulk storage to the washing container. The shutter member self-regulates the flow, eliminating the need for complex manual dosing mechanisms.
4Loss of time
If the detergent container holds large volumes for multiple cycles, then the refilling frequency decreases, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent container is divided into two functional zones: a storage chamber for bulk detergent and a dosing chamber for precise dispensing. The shutter member segments the release mechanism, controlling detergent flow from storage to dosing chamber and then to the washing container. This segmentation allows bulk storage while maintaining precise single-dose dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control device monitors detergent consumption and automatically activates the dispensing actuator to maintain precise dosing levels. The system uses feedback from usage patterns to regulate the transfer of detergent from bulk storage to the active dosing chamber, ensuring consistent dosing accuracy across multiple wash cycles.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~6
AI summary
A dishwasher (1) comprises a washing container (2), a spraying device (5, 6, 7) for spraying a washing liquid in the washing container (2), a detergent container (14) having a dispensing opening (17) for dispensing the detergent (16) into the washing container (2), and a shutter (18) for opening and closing the dispensing opening (17), wherein the detergent container (14) is adapted to accommodate a total volume of detergent (16) sufficient for a plurality of wash cycles and the dishwasher (1) further comprises a dosing device (19) in communication with the dispensing opening (17) and which can be activated by means of the dispensing actuator (20) for dosing and dispensing, during a single wash cycle, a partial volume of detergent provided for said single wash cycle.