Dishwasher Dosing Device with Vibration to Prevent Channel Clogging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic dishwashers face issues with operational safety due to cleaning agent buildup and clogging in the dosing device, particularly caused by moisture and vibrations, which affect the reproducibility and accuracy of cleaning agent dosage.

Innovation Solution

A dosing device with a pulse generator that applies mechanical force to the cleaning agent channel, using a hammer mechanism, lifting magnet, or vibration motor to dislodge and discharge adhering cleaning agents, ensuring fluid flow and preventing channel clogging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a dosing device with a cleaning agent channel is used to automatically dispense detergent, then the ease of operation is improved by eliminating manual dosing, but the reliability deteriorates due to cleaning agent buildup and clogging in the channel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic dosingVSAvoidchannel clogging
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a vibration motor to generate mechanical vibrations that act on the cleaning agent channel. These vibrations prevent cleaning agent particles from adhering to the channel walls and dislodge any accumulated residue, thereby preventing clogging while maintaining automatic dosing operation. The vibration mechanism directly addresses the reliability issue without compromising the automatic dosing convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration motor operates periodically during the dosing process rather than continuously. Vibrations are applied at specific intervals when dosing occurs or when buildup is likely, which is sufficient to prevent clogging while minimizing energy consumption. This periodic activation maintains channel畅通ness while supporting reliable automatic dosing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Quantity of substance

If moisture enters the cleaning agent channel, then the cleaning agent dissolves and flows better, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to unwanted encrustation and clogging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning agent flowVSAvoiddosing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration motor generates mechanical vibrations that prevent cleaning agent particles from adhering to the channel walls even when moisture is present. By continuously agitating the cleaning agent during dosing, the system ensures consistent flow and prevents encrustation that would otherwise cause dosing inaccuracies. This maintains both flow properties and dosing precision despite moisture exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Measurement precision

If fine particles of cleaning agent are used to improve dosing precision, then the measurement precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to particle accumulation on channel surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing accuracyVSAvoidchannel clogging
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration motor generates high-frequency mechanical vibrations that prevent fine cleaning agent particles from settling and adhering to the channel walls. The vibrations keep particles suspended and moving through the channel, ensuring that the fine particle dosage precision is maintained without the reliability penalty of accumulation and clogging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

4Productivity

If the dosing device is subjected to vibrations during operation, then the productivity is improved by enabling automatic dosing, but the reliability deteriorates as loosened detergent residue falls uncontrollably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic dosing capabilityVSAvoiduncontrolled residue discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration motor generates controlled mechanical vibrations that are directed specifically at the cleaning agent channel to prevent buildup. These vibrations are applied in a controlled manner during the dosing cycle, preventing uncontrolled discharge of residue while maintaining the automatic dosing productivity. The vibration frequency and timing are managed to achieve reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 solution effectively prevents cleaning agent buildup and clogging, enhancing operational safety and reliability by ensuring consistent and accurate dosing, even under varying conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an impulse generator (25) which is designed to apply a mechanical force to a channel wall (24) of the cleaning agent channel (15)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the striking lever (27) acts directly on the cleaning agent channel (15) by abruptly contacting the corresponding channel wall (24). This is made possible by the design of the striking lever (27) being rotatable against the force of a spring (29)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

using a hammer mechanism, lifting magnet, or vibration motor to dislodge and discharge adhering cleaning agents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3289950B1Dosing device for a dishwasher, corresponding dishwasher and corresponding method
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP3289950B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3289950B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3289950B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an automatic dishwasher, in particular in the form of a domestic dishwasher, with a washing compartment (3) that provides a washing chamber (4) and has a loading opening (5), and with a washing chamber door (6) that is pivotably mounted about a horizontally running pivot axis for fluid-tight purposes Closing of the loading opening (5) and with a dosing device (7), provided in particular by the washing chamber door (6), for the dosed dispensing of pourable cleaning agent, the dosing device (7) having a cleaning agent channel (15) opening into a cleaning agent dispensing opening (14). by a pulse generator (25) acting on a channel wall (24) of the cleaning agent channel (15).