Dishwasher Liquid Detergent Dosing for Program-Based Wash Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In dishwashers, the user-determined amount of detergent often results in suboptimal washing performance due to either detergent residues from excessive use in short programs or insufficient cleaning in programs with heavily soiled dishes, as the amount of detergent depends on user preference rather than the actual dirtiness of the dishes.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher with an automatic liquid/gel detergent dosing mechanism that adjusts the detergent amount based on the dirtiness ratio and number of dishes, using a dosing mechanism with a crankshaft, piston rod, and gaskets to transfer the required detergent from a user-filled receptacle to the washing cabin, controlled by a motor and control unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If user determines the detergent amount manually, then ease of operation is improved, but washing performance deteriorates due to incorrect dosage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidwashing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dosing mechanism automatically doses detergent from the user-filled receptacle based on the selected washing program, eliminating the need for manual dosage determination while ensuring optimal detergent amounts for different washing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The user fills the detergent receptacle in advance before the washing cycle begins, and the control unit pre-determines the required detergent amount based on the selected program, so that the correct dosage is ready to be dispensed automatically during the wash cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If high amounts of detergent are used, then washing performance for heavily soiled dishes is improved, but detergent residues increase in short programs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing performanceVSAvoiddetergent residues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dosing mechanism dynamically adjusts the detergent amount based on the selected washing program parameters (duration, intensity, temperature), providing higher doses for intensive long cycles and lower doses for short quick programs, thereby optimizing washing performance while minimizing residues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit changes the detergent dosage parameter according to different washing program settings, matching the detergent amount to the specific washing conditions (program type, duration, temperature) to prevent both insufficient cleaning and excessive residues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If low amounts of detergent are used, then detergent residues are reduced, but washing performance deteriorates for heavily soiled dishes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent residuesVSAvoidwashing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dosing mechanism dynamically adjusts the detergent amount based on the selected washing program, providing higher doses for intensive programs designed for heavily soiled dishes and lower doses for gentle short programs, ensuring optimal performance for each washing scenario

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If automatic dosing mechanism is added, then detergent dosage precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent dosage precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent dosing system is segmented into distinct functional components: a user-filled receptacle for detergent storage, a separate dosing mechanism with piston and gaskets for precise dispensing, and a control unit for program management, allowing each component to be optimized independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dosing mechanism acts as an intermediary component between the user-filled detergent receptacle and the washing cabin, automatically transferring and dosing the required amount of detergent based on control unit signals, thereby bridging the gap between simple user operation and precise automated dosing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Ensures optimal detergent usage by automatically providing the right amount of detergent for each wash cycle, improving washing performance and user satisfaction while minimizing detergent consumption and residues.

Implementation Method 1

A piston that moves vertically as connected to the piston rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical displacement: Displacement

Implementation Method 2

gaskets disposed on the lower and upper surfaces of the support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical sealing: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3130272B1A dishwasher

Publication Date: 2019.03.06 ARCELIK AS

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2); a washing cabin (3) that is disposed on the body (2) and wherein the washing process is performed; a detergent dispenser (4) that is detachably mounted on the body (2) and wherein liquid/gel detergent (D) can be filled; and a control unit (5) n the memory of which the amount of liquid/gel detergent to be transferred to the washing cabin (3) according to the washing type predetermined by the producer is saved.