Washing Machine Additive Coupling for Drip-Free Reservoir Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing devices for washing machines are difficult to access for filling or cleaning, and require complex connections that limit their integration and usability.
Innovation Solution
A dosing device with a movable piston and hollow mandrel coupling system that allows for easy connection and disconnection of the reservoir to the connecting line, preventing additive leakage and enabling easy access for maintenance, and featuring a dosing pump for flexible installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the reservoir is permanently integrated into the washing machine housing, then the dosing device is compact and space-efficient, but the reservoir becomes difficult to access for filling or cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing device is divided into separable components: the reservoir (21) can be detached from the washing machine housing (4) via the coupling device (16). This segmentation allows the reservoir to be easily removed for filling or cleaning while maintaining a compact integrated design during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device (16) enables the reservoir (21) to transition between a fixed integrated state during operation and a removable state for maintenance. The dynamic connection system allows easy attachment and detachment without permanent integration.
2Ease of operation
If the reservoir is made removable for easy access, then filling and cleaning become simple, but the connection system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The valve function is extracted from the reservoir body and implemented as a separate piston (24) within the tube section (23). This extracted valve mechanism is actuated by the hollow mandrel (25) during coupling, enabling automatic valve operation without complex manual controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device (16) performs multiple functions automatically: the hollow mandrel (25) both connects the reservoir to the connecting line (20) and simultaneously actuates the piston (24) to open the valve. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate manual valve operation.
3Ease of operation
If a separate dosing device is provided outside the washing machine, then accessibility is improved, but additional space and complex connections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing device is merged with the washing machine housing (4) as an integrated unit. The reservoir (21) connects directly to the internal connecting line (20), and the dosing pump (17) is built into the housing, eliminating the need for external hoses and separate power connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow mandrel (25) serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the connecting element between reservoir and connecting line, provides structural support, and functions as the actuator for the piston valve. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
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 provides a reliable, space-efficient, and easily maintainable dosing system that allows for the use of different additives without leakage, with the ability to change containers at any time and supports flexible installation and operation.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling device includes the dosing device a tube section in the reservoir, a piston which is movable within the tube section between an open position and a closed position and thereby provides a valve function
Implementation Method 2
a hollow mandrel which merges into or is connected to the connecting line on a first side and on a second side partially penetrate into the pipe section as regions and can move the piston to the open position
Implementation Method 3
a dosing pump for delivering the additive from the reservoir to the tub
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a dosing device (8) for a washing machine (1) with a tub (2) arranged in a housing (4) and a drum (3) rotatably mounted within the tub (2) for receiving the laundry items to be treated, comprising at least one reservoir (21a, b, c) for receiving a substantially liquid or viscous additive (22) such as detergent or washing or rinsing additives, and a connecting line (20) for the flow of the additive (22) from the reservoir (21a, b, c) to the tub (2), wherein the reservoir (21a, b, c) can be connected or disconnected from the connecting line (20) by means of a coupling device (16), wherein the coupling device (16) comprises a valve (23, 24) that provides for the outflow of the additive (22) from the reservoir (21a, b, c) as soon as the reservoir (21a, b, c) is coupled in the operational position on the connecting line (20).To enable drip-free exchange of the storage containers, the coupling device (16) comprises: - a pipe section (23) in the storage container (21a, b, c), - a piston (24) which is movable within the pipe section (23) between an open position and a closed position, - a hollow mandrel (25) which extends into or is connected to the connecting line (20) on a first side 25a) and can partially penetrate the pipe section (23) on a second side (25b) and move the piston (24) into the open position to provide the flow of the additive (22) from the storage container (21a, b, c) through the pipe section (23) and through the hollow mandrel (25) to the connecting line (20).