Device for dispensing cleaning agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher detergent dispensing devices are prone to accidental opening or unlocking due to external factors like falling dishes or cutlery, leading to potential detergent or rinse aid leakage and contamination, compromising safety and user experience.
Innovation Solution
The device features an actuation path oriented transversely away from the storage unit, utilizing a spring-loaded rocker mechanism with a pivot axis and detent lugs to prevent accidental opening, ensuring the cover remains locked until intentionally unlocked by the user, either manually or through an electromagnetic actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple flap or sliding cover is used to close the storage unit, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cover is prone to accidental opening due to external factors like falling dishes or cutlery
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element is designed to pivot about a rotation axis, transforming the static cover into a dynamic element that can rotate between closed and open positions. This dynamic design allows the cover to respond to user interaction while maintaining security against accidental opening through the specific pivot geometry and locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device integrates multiple functional elements into a composite structure: the cover element, actuation element, pivot axis, detent lugs, and spring element work together as a unified system. This composite design provides both the simplicity of a single-component cover and the reliability of a multi-mechanism security system
2Ease of operation
If an actuation element with downward pressing motion is used, then the opening action is simple, but the cover can be accidentally opened by falling objects pressing down on the actuation element
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pressing the actuation element downward to open the cover, the design inverts the motion direction: the actuation element is pulled upward or rotated in a direction away from the storage unit. This inversion ensures that falling objects cannot accidentally trigger opening, as gravity and normal dishwashing operations do not generate forces in this direction
Solution Approach 2:
The detent lugs and spring element create a preliminary locking action that resists unintended opening forces. The spring maintains constant pressure on the detent lugs to keep them engaged with the housing, providing preemptive protection against accidental opening before any opening force is applied
3Volume of stationary object
If a sliding cover with lowering motion is used to seal the storage unit, then storage space is optimized, but the guidance mechanism becomes complex and fault-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element transitions from a static sealed position to a dynamic pivoting motion, rotating about a fixed axis rather than sliding along complex guidance paths. This dynamic rotation simplifies the mechanical guidance requirements while maintaining effective sealing through the pivot geometry and cover design
4Ease of operation
If a turning cover pivoting parallel to the housing is used, then the cover can be manually actuated, but the turning cover is easily impaired or damaged during long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axis is positioned and oriented specifically to minimize stress on the cover element during operation. The rotation axis is located at the boundary wall of the housing, creating a stable pivot point that reduces bending moments and mechanical stress on the cover, thereby improving durability during long-term use
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 effectively prevents accidental opening, enhancing operational safety and user comfort by ensuring the detergent or rinse aid remains contained, and allows for a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing implementation.
Implementation Method 1
At least one spring element is provided to define a fixing position of the actuation element
Implementation Method 2
either manually or through an electromagnetic actuator
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a device for dispensing a cleaning agent into a dishwasher, having a cover element for closing and releasing at least one opening of a store for storing the cleaning agent and/or an operating agent, at least one actuating element being provided which has an actuation path (W) for opening and/or fixing the cover element so that an accidental opening or unlocking is effectively prevented. According to the disclosure this is achieved in that the actuation path (W) is oriented away from the store and transversely to the opening.