Programmable Drum-Mounted Detergent Dispenser for Timed Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current washing systems face inefficiencies in detergent dispensing, leading to waste and damage within the washing machine due to complex water circuits and the inability to control detergent release during different wash cycles, especially with movable dispensers that lack programmability and coordination with washing programs.
Innovation Solution
A device with a compartment for dispensing substances that can be inserted and extracted from a container, featuring a dispensing surface with adjustable access means controlled by an actuator and programmable controlling means, allowing for precise timing and coordination with washing programs, and powered by a movable power supply system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a drawer with multiple compartments and inner conduits is used for detergent dispensing, then the detergent can be stored and dispensed during wash cycles, but the system requires a complex circuit of water conducts that occupies space and causes detergent waste and machine deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the detergent dispensing function from the fixed drawer system and relocates it to a movable dispenser that can be directly inserted into the washing drum. This eliminates the need for complex water conduct circuits connecting to fixed compartments, as the dispenser moves with the drum and dispenses detergent directly at the point of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable dispenser acts as an intermediary between the detergent storage and the washing drum. Instead of water conducting circuits serving as the intermediary, the physical dispenser container moves through the wash cycle and releases detergent directly onto the fabrics, simplifying the system architecture.
2Loss of substance
If movable dispensers with open compartments are used, then detergent can be applied directly on fabrics without waste, but the detergent is released immediately at the beginning of the wash cycle making it impossible to program the release timing
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser incorporates a movable closure element that can dynamically open or close the dispensing opening based on programmed timing. This dynamic control allows the dispenser to maintain closure during transport and washing, then open at predetermined moments to release detergent, combining direct application with programmable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is pre-programmed with release timing before the wash cycle begins. The closure element remains closed during the initial phases, and the system preliminarily determines when detergent should be released based on the wash program, enabling coordinated dispensing at optimal moments rather than immediate release.
3Duration of action of moving object
If detergent tablets that dissolve slowly are used, then prolonged detergent release occurs during the wash cycle, but it becomes inconceivable to directly control the release of detergent during different steps of the wash cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element provides dynamic control over the dispensing opening, allowing the system to switch between complete closure, partial opening, and full opening states. This enables precise control of detergent release timing and duration, replacing slow dissolution with programmable mechanical control that can adapt to different wash cycle requirements.
4Quantity of substance
If fixed drawer dispensers are used, then detergent storage is provided, but detergent remains inside the compartments or water flowing conducts causing waste and deterioration of washing machine parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the detergent from fixed compartments and water conducts and places it in a movable dispenser that travels with the washing drum. This ensures detergent is only present where needed (in the dispenser) and is completely utilized when dispensed, eliminating residual detergent left in fixed infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable dispenser serves itself by containing all necessary detergent within its structure and delivering it directly to the washing drum. The dispenser eliminates the need for external water conducts to deliver detergent, making the system self-contained and preventing detergent from being trapped in external infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (10) for automatically dispensing at least a solid or fluid substance (S) within a container (C), wherein the device (10) is insertable into the container (C) and extractable from the same, characterized by comprising at least a compartment (12) for containing said substance (S) having a dispensing surface (14) for dispensing the substance (S) outward the compartment (12) into the container (C), at least access means (16) coupled to said dispensing surface (14) able to achieve at least a configuration of total opening in order to allow a dispensing of the substance (S) through the entire dispensing surface (14) and of total closure in order to prevent the dispensing of the substance (S) through the dispensing surface (14), at least an actuator (18) connected to the access means (16) for activating said access means (16), controlling means (20) connected to the actuator (18) and programmable for automatically managing the dispensing of said substance (S) within the container (C), by varying the configurations of said access means (16) and power supply means (22) connected to said controlling means (20) for supplying the device (10), wherein said device (10) is movable with respect to the container (C) and the dispensing of the substance (S) within the container (C) occurs based on the relative movement of the device (10) with respect to the container (C).