Dishwasher Door Refill Fitting for Gravity-Fed Detergent Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In domestic dishwashers, the refill process for detergent and rinsing aids is cumbersome, especially with fast wash programs where components do not fully dissolve, leading to suboptimal cleaning results and visibility issues with existing detergent feed systems.
Innovation Solution
The refill fitting is integrated into the door of the dishwasher, allowing easy access and automatic gravity-fed refilling, with a circulation pump and conductivity sensor for precise dosing, and an optional load detection system to alert operators of empty chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the refill fitting is arranged in the washing area to connect to the detergent feed device, then the detergent can be fed into the line system, but the refill fitting becomes difficult to reach and requires removal of crockery baskets or spray arms for refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The refill fitting is extracted from the washing area and relocated to the door of the dishwasher. This allows the refilling operation to be performed independently without interfering with the washing area components such as crockery baskets and spray arms, thereby simplifying the refilling procedure and improving accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The door serves as an intermediary structure that hosts the refill fitting. By placing the refill fitting on the door, the system creates a separate access point for refilling that does not require manipulation of washing area components, thus reducing operational complexity
2Ease of operation
If the refill fitting is made visible and accessible on the door, then refilling becomes easier, but the outward appearance of the appliance is adversely affected when closed
Solution Approach 1:
The door is designed with differentiated zones: the outer surface maintains a clean, appearance-friendly design, while the inner surface provides functional elements including the refill fitting. This local differentiation allows the appliance to maintain aesthetic appearance from the outside while providing easy access for refilling operations
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the refill fitting on the outer visible surface of the door, it is inverted and placed on the inner surface. This reversal allows the functional element to be accessible during door opening while remaining hidden during normal closed operation, thus preserving appearance
3Loss of time
If combination detergent tablets are used for fast wash programs, then the washing time is reduced, but not all components are able to dissolve completely leading to suboptimal cleaning results
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent feed device is divided into multiple chambers, each dedicated to storing and dispensing specific detergent components. This segmentation allows different components to be released at optimized times during the wash cycle, ensuring complete dissolution and effective cleaning even in shortened fast wash programs
Solution Approach 2:
Detergent components are pre-positioned in separate chambers according to their dissolution characteristics and required timing. This preliminary arrangement enables the control system to release components in the optimal sequence, ensuring all components dissolve completely before being needed for effective cleaning action
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
Simplifies the refilling process, ensures optimal detergent distribution, and maintains a clean appearance by hiding the refill fitting when closed, while improving cleaning efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a refill element placed onto it empties itself automatically by the force of gravity and the detergent flows through lines automatically into the chambers of the reservoir of the detergent feed device
Data Source
AI summary
A water-conducting domestic appliance including a line system, a detergent feed facility that supplies at least one detergent into the line system, wherein the detergent feed facility includes at least one reservoir configured to be filled with detergent, and a refill fitting having a connection to the at least one reservoir, the refill fitting being arranged on a door of the water-conducting domestic appliance.