Dosing system for dispensing at least one flowable preparation into an interior of a washing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing systems for washing machines face challenges in achieving high dosing accuracy and functional reliability due to high mechanical forces and pressure variations during the washing process, particularly in drum washing machines, where movable valves with elastic seals are not designed to withstand such conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dosing system featuring a peristaltic pump with an eccentrically mounted rotating body and a sensor-controlled dosing unit, utilizing a Hall sensor and magnet for precise positioning, and a bidirectional freewheel for separate dispensing of multiple flowable preparations, ensuring reliable and accurate dosing even under high centrifugal forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If movable valves with elastic seals are used for dosing, then the dosing device can be simple in structure, but the device cannot withstand high pressure forces during spin cycles and loses reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical valve system with an electrical solenoid valve system. The solenoid valve uses an electromagnetic actuator to control a valve needle, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and elastic seals that fail under centrifugal force. This substitution maintains structural simplicity while achieving reliable operation during high-speed spin cycles.
2Device complexity
If simple closure elements and valves are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but dosing accuracy deteriorates when dispensing very small amounts of preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical closure elements with an electronically controlled solenoid valve system. The solenoid valve provides precise control over the opening and closing timing, enabling accurate dosing of small amounts of preparation. The electromagnetic actuation allows for controlled, gradual opening of the valve needle, achieving dosing precision that simple mechanical closures cannot provide.
3Ease of operation
If the dosing device is positioned freely within the tub, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device is exposed to high centrifugal forces that affect dosing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical dosing mechanisms that are sensitive to orientation and gravity with an electrically actuated solenoid valve system. This allows the dosing device to maintain reliable operation regardless of its position within the tub, as the electromagnetic actuation is not affected by gravitational variations or centrifugal forces in the same way mechanical systems are.
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 achieves precise and reliable dosing of flowable preparations, maintaining functionality and accuracy across varying spin cycles and pressures, with extended service life of components and user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
The pump (5) is designed as a peristaltic pump. The peristaltic pump (5) comprises a rotating body (13) which is mounted eccentrically within a receptacle (22) for conveying the at least one flowable preparation through a pump hose (7)
Implementation Method 2
The peristaltic pump (5) comprises a rotating body (13) which is mounted eccentrically within a receptacle (22) for conveying the at least one flowable preparation through a pump hose (7)
Implementation Method 3
The sensor unit (15) has at least one Hall sensor (16) and the rotating body (13) has at least one magnet (14)
Implementation Method 4
A high centrifugal force acts on the dosing device located in the tub. This also affects the free-flowing preparations stored in the dosing device
Data Source
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AI summary
Dosing system (1) for dispensing at least one flowable preparation into the interior of a washing machine, comprising at least one dosing device (2) and at least one container (3) connectable to the dosing device (2) for storing the at least one flowable preparation, wherein the dosing device (2) comprises at least one electrical energy source for operating the dosing device (2), at least one dosing unit (4) for dispensing a predefined quantity of the at least one flowable preparation, at least one sensor unit (15) for monitoring the dosing unit (4), and at least one control unit coupled to the dosing unit (4) and the sensor unit (15), wherein the dosing unit (4) has a pump (5) for dispensing the at least one flowable preparation, and wherein the dosing system (1) is suitable for free positioning within the interior of the washing machine.