Dishwasher Detergent Dispenser for Complete Tablet Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detergent tablets in dishwashers often do not completely dissolve due to improper placement in the dishwasher, leading to inefficient washing and residue issues.
Innovation Solution
A detergent dispenser with tablet restraints and a controlled water outlet system that releases water onto the detergent tablet from above, ensuring complete dissolution while retaining the tablet in the dispenser, using sloped and angled surfaces to prevent residue formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the detergent tablet is placed manually into the detergent dispenser and the lid is opened, then the detergent is released for washing, but the tablet does not fall into a suitable zone for complete dissolution leading to poor washing results
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent tablet is pre-placed in a specific cavity (door pocket) of the detergent dispenser before the wash cycle begins. The dispenser is designed with predetermined pathways and zones that guide the tablet to the optimal dissolution location automatically when the lid opens, eliminating the need for manual placement adjustments during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent dispenser acts as an intermediary device between the user's manual tablet placement and the wash zone. It includes a door pocket cavity and controlled release mechanism that mediates the tablet's position, ensuring it is released at the correct location and orientation for complete dissolution, bridging the gap between simple manual loading and reliable dissolution.
2Reliability
If water is released onto the detergent tablet from the water outlet above the dispenser, then the tablet dissolves completely in a controlled manner, but the device complexity increases with additional water control components
Solution Approach 1:
The water outlet is positioned at the top section of the detergent dispenser, creating a gravity-driven water flow path that naturally directs water onto the tablet in the door pocket cavity. This equipotential arrangement uses the natural flow of water from top to bottom, eliminating the need for complex pumps or pressure control systems while ensuring complete dissolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent dispenser's top section with openings automatically receives water from the water outlet and directs it onto the tablet in the door pocket cavity. The system uses the natural water flow and gravity to achieve complete dissolution without requiring additional active control mechanisms, making the dissolution process self-regulating.
3Reliability
If tablet restraints are provided with upwards facing portions forming acute angles, then the tablet is retained securely in the dispenser, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tablet restraints feature upwards facing portions with acute angles that create a cradle-like structure. These angular surfaces are designed to conform to the generally curved or rounded shape of detergent tablets, providing secure retention through geometric compatibility rather than requiring extremely precise angular measurements, thus balancing reliability with manufacturability.
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 complete dissolution of detergent tablets during the wash cycle, reducing residue risk and enhancing washing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
water outlet configured to release water to a top section of the detergent dispenser. Hereby water can be supplied to the detergent dispenser in a controlled manner. For example, when a lid of the detergent dispenser is opened, water can flow onto the detergent tablet placed in the detergent dispenser from the water outlet above the detergent dispenser
Implementation Method 2
the bottom surface has a sloped surface. Hereby the risk that the detergent tablet leaves residues in the detergent dispenser is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher detergent dispenser having a set of restraints configured to retain a detergent tablet in a cavity of the detergent dispenser, and a water outlet configured to release water to a top section of the detergent dispenser.