Domestic dishwasher and dosing system therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
In domestic dishwashers, solid detergent powders are prone to clumping and incrustation due to heat and moisture, leading to reduced effectiveness and clogging issues in dosing systems, even with automatic dosing systems.
Innovation Solution
A dosing system for solid detergents in domestic dishwashers that includes a supply chamber, an extracting mechanism, and a fan generating a blowing air stream, which is introduced into the fall channel to dry and expel detergent powder, preventing clumping and protecting the detergent from moisture and heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If detergent powder is stored in a supply chamber in the dishwasher, then operation is simplified for the user, but the detergent powder is adversely affected by heat and moisture from the dishwashing chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing system separates the detergent supply chamber from the dishwashing chamber, creating distinct functional zones. The supply chamber is isolated as a separate compartment that can be protected from harmful environmental factors while still being part of the integrated dosing system.
Solution Approach 2:
A fall channel serves as an intermediary pathway between the supply chamber and the dosing outlet. This intermediate structure allows controlled transfer of detergent powder while providing a barrier that protects the main supply from heat and moisture in the dishwashing environment.
2Extent of automation
If detergent powder is delivered through a fall channel, then dosing is automated, but the powder forms clumps and incrustations on channel walls due to heat and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces purely gravitational powder flow with an aerated flow system. Air is introduced into the fall channel to create a fluidized bed effect, allowing powder to flow more reliably without clumping, and enabling better control over the dosing process.
Solution Approach 2:
Air flow is used to transport and control the detergent powder through the fall channel. The pneumatic assistance ensures consistent powder flow, prevents clumping on channel walls, and allows for more precise dosing control while maintaining automated operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fall channel is exposed to hot steam and dishwashing water, then the dosing system integrates with the cleaning process, but the channel walls become wet and promote clump formation
Solution Approach 1:
The fall channel acts as an intermediary structure that is strategically positioned to receive aerated powder from the supply chamber and deliver it to the dosing outlet. This intermediate position allows it to be somewhat exposed to the cleaning environment while still protecting the main detergent supply through the aerated flow barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous air flow through the fall channel creates a protective atmosphere that reduces the impact of moisture and heat from the dishwashing process. The aerated powder flow and air cushion help keep channel walls drier and prevent clump formation even when integrated with the cleaning process.
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 effectively prevents clumping and incrustation by ensuring that the detergent powder is fully expelled and the channel walls remain dry, maintaining the detergent's effectiveness and extending its shelf life within the dishwasher.
Implementation Method 1
a fan for generating a blowing air stream... the blowing air can be used to accelerate or assist with drying of the fall channel
Implementation Method 2
the blowing air can be used to expel an extracted powder dose from the fall channel with the assistance of blowing air
Data Source
AI summary
A dosing system for installation in a domestic dishwasher is disclosed. The dosing system in some embodiments permits the automated delivery of a defined dose of a detergent in powder form into a dishwashing chamber of the dishwasher. It comprises for this purpose a supply chamber for receiving a supply of the detergent and an extracting mechanism for extracting a dose of the detergent from the supply and for delivering the extracted dose into a fall channel. In order to assist with expelling an extracted dose of the detergent powder from the fall channel or/and to accelerate drying of the fall channel, the dosing system in some embodiments includes a fan for generating a blowing air stream which flows through at least parts of the fall channel.