Dishwasher Cleaning Agent Box With Piston-Aligned Detergent Dosing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwasher technologies are limited in their ability to use detergents in powder or tablet form, as many automatic dosing systems are designed only for liquid detergents.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher design that includes a cleaning agent box with a dispenser mechanism, where a piston and cylinder system aligns holes on the dispenser and carrier to release the cleaning agent into the washing tub, allowing for the use of liquid, tablet, or powder detergents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an automatic dosing unit is designed for liquid detergents only, then the dosing mechanism can be simplified and sealed, but it cannot accept powder or tablet detergent forms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetergent form compatibilityVSAvoiddosing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser is designed with a universal opening mechanism that can handle multiple detergent forms (liquid, powder, tablet) through a single interface. The piston-driven dispenser with aligned holes creates a universal dispensing action that works regardless of detergent form, eliminating the need for separate dosing mechanisms for each detergent type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dosing mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the piston for movement, the dispenser with holes for controlled release, and the carrier for holding different detergent forms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compatibility with multiple detergent types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If cleaning agents are stored in a closed box, then the detergent is protected from contamination and premature release, but it cannot be easily accessed or refilled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning agent accessibilityVSAvoidcleaning agent containment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier is pre-loaded with cleaning agents in various forms before being inserted into the cleaning agent box. The user performs the loading action in advance during refilling, and the predetermined hole alignment mechanism ensures proper positioning without requiring complex real-time adjustments during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the dispenser holes are always aligned with carrier holes, then cleaning agent can be easily dispensed, but the cleaning agent cannot be securely stored and transported

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetergent dispensing speedVSAvoiddetergent storage security
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions between two states: aligned holes for dispensing and misaligned holes for storage. The piston mechanism provides dynamic control, moving the dispenser to align holes during the dosing phase and misalign them during storage and transport phases, ensuring both secure containment and efficient dispensing at appropriate times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hole alignment occurs periodically during the washing cycle when dosing is required, rather than being continuously aligned. The piston-driven mechanism creates periodic alignment moments synchronized with the washing program, maintaining security during non-dosing periods while enabling rapid dispensing when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 flexibility and ease of use by enabling the use of various detergent forms, including powder and tablet detergents, in dishwashers with automatic dosing systems, ensuring proper dosing and integration into the washing process.

Implementation Method 1

the water passing into the cylinder with the pressure of the water flowing in the water line hits the piston and pushes the piston forward

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4364634B1A dishwasher comprising a cleaning agent box
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 ARCELIK AS
  • EP4364634B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4364634B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4364634B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a washing tub; at least one rack (2) which carries the items placed therein; a water line (3) which provides the delivery of water into the washing tub; a cylinder (4) which is provided on the water line (3) and through which the water in the water line (3) flows; a piston (5) which is disposed in the cylinder (4); further comprising a frame (7); a carrier (8) which is fitted into the frame (7) and which has at least one first hole (12) on the base thereof; a dispenser (9) which is attached to the base of the carrier (8), which has at least a second hole (13) at the base thereof and which moves with the piston (5) relative to the frame (7) and the carrier (8); and a cleaning agent box (6) which enables the cleaning agent to be carried when the first and second holes (12 and 13) are not aligned, and enables the cleaning agent to be poured into the washing tub when the first and second holes (12 and 13) are aligned.