Dishwasher Bulk Dispenser Cartridge With Low-Chemistry Alert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher dispensing systems lack an efficient and automated method to alert users when treating chemistry levels are low, often requiring manual checks and frequent power source replacements, and do not provide flexible bulk dispensing options.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing cartridge assembly with a base, sensors for treating chemistry and illumination detection, an indicator for human-detectable signals, and a controller that activates alerts only when the dishwasher door is open, ensuring efficient power use and automated bulk dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a bulk dispenser is used to store multiple doses of treating chemistry, then the duration of action is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for sensors, indicators, and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk dispenser is divided into modular components: a base unit containing the pump and control electronics, and replaceable cartridges containing the treating chemistry. This segmentation allows the chemistry storage to be simplified while maintaining bulk supply capability, as users only need to replace cartridges rather than service the entire complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic detection and indication features that eliminate the need for manual monitoring. The sensor automatically detects chemistry levels, the controller manages dispensing operations, and the indicator provides automated alerts to users, making the system self-sufficient and reducing operational complexity.
2Loss of information
If an indicator system is added to alert users of low treating chemistry levels, then the loss of information is improved, but the use of energy increases due to continuous monitoring and signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator system operates periodically rather than continuously. The controller monitors chemistry levels through the sensor and only activates the indicator when the chemistry level falls below a predetermined threshold. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective user notification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the sensor continuously monitors chemistry levels and provides information to the controller, which then activates the indicator only when needed. This feedback-based approach ensures that energy is consumed only when information needs to be communicated to the user, optimizing the balance between information provision and energy usage.
3Device complexity
If manual checking of treating chemistry levels is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to frequent user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring through the integrated sensor that automatically detects treating chemistry levels without user intervention. The controller processes this information and activates the indicator when refilling is needed, completely eliminating the time users would otherwise spend manually checking chemistry levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated feedback system provides real-time monitoring of chemistry levels and communicates status to users through the indicator. This eliminates the need for manual checking by providing continuous, automatic information about chemistry status, saving user time while maintaining system simplicity through straightforward sensor-controller-indicator architecture.
4Device complexity
If frequent power source replacements are required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to maintenance interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively monitors chemistry levels and provides advance warning through the indicator before the treating chemistry is completely depleted. This preliminary action allows users to refill or replace cartridges during convenient times rather than during operational interruptions, maintaining productivity while avoiding the need for complex power management systems.
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 system efficiently alerts users to low treating chemistry levels, conserves power, and offers flexible bulk dispensing, reducing the need for frequent manual replacements and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor outputting a first signal indicative of at least one of a presence of the at least one treating chemistry reservoir or an absence of the at least one treating chemistry reservoir
Implementation Method 2
an illumination detector outputting a second signal indicative of ambient illumination
Implementation Method 3
an indicator outputting a human-detectable signal, and a controller receiving the first and second signals and operably coupled to the indicator to activate the indicator to emit the human-detectable signal
Data Source
AI summary
A removable non-integrated treating chemistry dispensing cartridge assembly may emit a signal in response to a predetermined amount of treating chemistry being detected and in response to a predetermined amount of illumination being detected.