Dishwasher Detergent Dispenser With Floating Ball Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing agent dispensers in dishwashers have complex and cumbersome mechanisms that are prone to wear, requiring multiple actuations for each dose of rinse aid and inefficient delivery systems.

Innovation Solution

A compact and simple actuation system using a solenoid actuator and a floating ball mechanism that allows for independent delivery of detergent and rinse aid without the need for multiple actuations, with the actuator controlling the movement of a lever and rod to facilitate the delivery of both agents within a single washing cycle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single actuator is used to operate all delivery cycles of detergent and additive, then the device complexity is reduced, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and highly subject to wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator system complexityVSAvoidmechanical wear resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation system is segmented into a driving member (lever) and a driven member (rod) that are selectively coupled through a floating element. This segmentation allows the single actuator to operate different delivery cycles independently, reducing mechanical wear on any single component while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A floating element acts as an intermediary between the driving member and the driven member. This intermediary enables selective coupling - the floating element can engage the driven member for additive delivery while allowing the driving member to reset, or engage both for detergent delivery, thereby reducing wear through distributed mechanical interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple actuations are required to deliver each dose of rinse aid, then the delivery precision is improved, but the loss of time and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosage delivery precisionVSAvoidactuation cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary positioning of the floating element during the actuator's return stroke. This preliminary action prepares the mechanism for the next additive delivery without requiring separate positioning actuations, thereby maintaining dosage precision while reducing total actuation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator operates continuously through its stroke cycle, with the floating element automatically engaging and disengaging from the driven member. This continuous operation eliminates idle positioning time between doses while maintaining precise dosage control through the mechanical coupling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If the actuation system is reset frequently to start position, then the reliability of delivery timing is improved, but the productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery timing accuracyVSAvoidwashing cycle throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling between the driving member and driven member is dynamic rather than fixed. The floating element can selectively engage or disengage based on the phase of the washing cycle, allowing the system to maintain timing reliability for critical deliveries while skipping unnecessary reset positions to improve overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The actuation system automatically manages its own reset through the spring-loaded return mechanism. The driving member self-resets to the initial position during the actuator's return stroke without requiring separate control actions, maintaining delivery timing reliability while minimizing interference with the washing cycle progression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 provides efficient and reliable delivery of multiple doses of washing agents with reduced mechanical wear and simplified manufacturing, improving the operational efficiency and longevity of the dispenser.

Implementation Method 1

A compact and simple actuation system using a solenoid actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Implementation Method 2

a floating ball mechanism that allows for independent delivery of detergent and rinse aid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP1909632B1Washing agent dispenser for a household washing machine, in particular a dishwasher

Publication Date: 2010.03.31 ELTEK SPA

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AI summary

A washing agent dispenser (10) has two washing agent distributors controlled by a same actuation system that comprises a driving member (30), a driven member (40) and an actuator device. The driven member (40) has a seat (44) in which there is operatively inserted, with possibility of relative movement, an engagement part (35) of the driving member (30). According to the invention, also the driving member (30) has a seat (34) which, in at least one position of the actuation system, at least partially faces the seat (44) of the driven member (40). The actuation system further comprises a floating body (50), able to displace in a controlled way between the two seats (34, 44) when said seats at least partially face one another.