Dosage device comprising a dosage chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing systems for household appliances lack an efficient and cost-effective solution for dispensing multiple cleaning agents in a convenient and eco-friendly manner, particularly in low-temperature cycles with reduced water consumption, due to limitations in the use of new ingredients and manual dosing requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular dosing system comprising a cartridge with multiple chambers and a dosing device that can be independently moved or attached to appliances, featuring gravity-induced release mechanisms, acid and alkali resistance, and energy-efficient components, allowing for precise and automatic dispensing of different cleaning agents without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cleaning agents are added to improve cleaning performance in low-temperature cycles, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the amount of ingredients per cycle cannot be increased due to ecological and economic limits
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning agent is divided into multiple separate chambers within a single cartridge, each containing different cleaning agents or additives. This segmentation allows multiple cleaning functions to be delivered without increasing the overall volume of the cartridge, as the agents are dispensed sequentially rather than simultaneously. The dosing device meters out small portions from each chamber in sequence, achieving enhanced cleaning performance while maintaining limited total ingredient quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device dispenses cleaning agents in periodic cycles, releasing small amounts from different chambers at different times during the washing cycle. This periodic dispensing allows multiple cleaning agents to be utilized throughout the cycle without requiring large quantities to be present simultaneously, thereby improving cleaning performance while respecting the limits on total ingredient amount per cycle.
2Ease of operation
If automatic dosing devices are used to simplify manual dosing work, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing device is segmented into a removable cartridge containing multiple chambers and a base dosing mechanism. This segmentation allows the complex multi-chamber structure to be simplified into interchangeable modules. The user simply needs to replace the entire cartridge rather than manually dosing each agent, achieving ease of operation while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device automatically meters and dispenses the correct amounts from each chamber without requiring user intervention. The system self-regulates the dosing process, eliminating manual dosing work while the modular cartridge design keeps the overall system complexity manageable through automatic operation.
3Reliability
If a dosing device with multiple chambers is used to dispense different cleaning agents, then cleaning performance is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into multiple separate chambers that can be manufactured independently and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each chamber to be produced using standard manufacturing processes, and the modular assembly reduces overall manufacturing complexity compared to creating a single complex multi-agent delivery system, thereby controlling manufacturing costs while maintaining enhanced cleaning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device is designed with universal components that can accommodate different cartridge types and cleaning agent combinations. The base dosing mechanism remains the same while only the cartridges need to be changed for different cleaning needs, allowing the system to deliver enhanced cleaning performance across multiple applications without proportionally increasing manufacturing cost for each variant.
4Ease of operation
If the dosing system is designed to be movable and detachable for user convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of connection to appliance may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing system is segmented into a movable cartridge and a stationary base unit with a defined coupling interface. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be easily removed and replaced by the user while the base unit remains firmly connected to the appliance. The standardized coupling mechanism ensures reliable connection when properly assembled, balancing user convenience with connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling interface acts as an intermediary between the movable cartridge and the stationary base unit. This intermediary mechanism provides both ease of insertion/removal for the user and ensures reliable, leak-proof connection during operation, reconciling the needs for movability and connection stability through a specially designed coupling system.
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 enables efficient, automatic, and cost-effective dispensing of multiple cleaning agents, optimizing cleaning performance in low-temperature cycles while minimizing material usage and environmental impact, with a focus on convenience and reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a floating body being arranged in the dosing chamber, the density of which is lower than the density of the preparation, the floating body being designed in such a way that the preparation can flow around and/or through the floating body and the floating body and the dosing chamber inlet in such a way that the dosing chamber inlet can be closed by the floating body
Implementation Method 2
in the use position of the dosing device, preparation flows from the cartridge into the dosing chamber under the effect of gravity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a dosage device for dispensing at least one pourable detergent and/or cleaner preparation (40) into the interior of a household appliance. Said dosage device comprises a cartridge (1) that can be coupled to the dosage device (2), holds at least one pourable detergent and/or cleaner preparation (40), and is provided with at least one outlet (5) on the bottom in the direction of gravity, said outlet being connected in a communicating manner to a dosage chamber inlet (21) located in the dosage device (2) in the coupled state between the cartridge (1) and the dosage device (2) in such a way that preparation (40) flows from the cartridge (1) into a dosage chamber (20) under the effect of gravity in the operational position of the dosage device (2). The dosage device further comprises a dosage chamber outlet (22) which is located downstream of the dosage chamber inlet (21) in the direction of gravity and can be closed using a valve. A floating element (92) that is less dense than the preparation (40) is arranged within the dosage chamber (20). Said floating element (92) is designed so that preparation (40) can flow around and/or through the floating element (92). The floating element (92) and the dosage chamber inlet (21) are configured in such a way that the floating element (92) can close the dosage chamber inlet (21).