Dishwasher Dispenser Actuation for Metered Rinse Aid Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine dispensing devices fail to ensure reliable and constant release of washing agents over time and require mechanical pre-setting of rinse aid quantities, leading to higher production costs and lack of controlled, metered release.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device with a single shape memory actuating element that electronically controls the release of detergent and rinse aid agents, using a locking mechanism and a small pump for metered dispensing, allowing dynamic adjustment based on wash program requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single shape memory actuating element is used to control release of detergent and rinse aid agents, then production costs are reduced and device complexity is simplified, but the reliability and constancy of washing agent release over time may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member is divided into distinct functional zones: a first portion that interacts with the detergent compartment lid and a second portion that interacts with the rinse aid dispenser. This segmentation allows a single actuating element to control multiple dispensing functions through one movable member, reducing component count while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single shape memory actuating element serves multiple functions: it actuates the detergent lid opening mechanism and simultaneously controls the rinse aid dispenser through the movable member. This multi-functionality reduces the number of actuating elements needed, simplifying the device while maintaining reliability through centralized control.
2Device complexity
If mechanical pre-setting of rinse aid quantities is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different wash program requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static mechanical pre-setting to dynamic electronic control. The control system can dynamically adjust the actuation timing and duration of the shape memory element based on detected wash program requirements, allowing the rinse aid dispensing quantity to be adaptively controlled without increasing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pre-setting mechanisms with a simpler electronic control system that actuates a single shape memory element. The control system electronically determines the appropriate rinse aid quantity based on wash program detection, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic adaptability.
3Reliability
If distinct compartments with separate lids are used for detergent and rinse aid, then washing agent containment is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control mechanisms for detergent and rinse aid dispensing into a single integrated system. The movable member with its first and second portions combines the lid actuation function and rinse aid dispensing function, reducing the number of separate mechanisms while maintaining reliable containment through the distinct compartments.
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 reliable and constant release of washing agents, reduces production costs by using a single actuating element, and allows for electronic, dynamic, and measured delivery of rinse aid, tailored to specific wash programs.
Implementation Method 1
a washing agent dispensing device which includes: at least one compartment (11) associated with a lid (12) for sealing a detergent agent into said at least one compartment (11)... said dispensing device (10) comprising an actuating element (31) adapted to drive a movable member (30)... said actuating element (31) consisting of a shape memory element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing agent dispensing device (10) for a washing machine (1) for household use, in particular a dishwasher, said dispensing device (10) comprising: - at least one compartment (11) associated with a lid (12) for sealing a detergent agent into said at least one compartment (11); - a locking mechanism (13) for holding the lid (12) in the closed position; - activating means (30, 31) for activating said locking mechanism (13) in order to open the lid (12); - a container (20) for containing a rinse aid agent, in particular said container (20) being associated with release means (21) which allow the rinse aid agent to be dispensed during a rinse step. The invention is characterized in that said activating means comprise a movable member (30) rotatably mounted about a pin (P) and an actuating element (31) secured through a first end (31A) to the dispensing device (10) and through a second end (31B) to the movable member (30), said actuating element (31) being adapted to drive the movable member (30): - in a first rotation direction (S1) about said pin (P) in order to activate said locking mechanism (13) and open the lid (12); - in a second rotation direction (S2) about said pin (P) in order to activate said release means (21) and dispense the rinse aid agent contained in the container (20), said dispensing device (10) comprising elastic means (40) associated with said movable member (30) so as to allow switching from said first rotation direction (S1) to said second rotation direction (S2).