Dual-Mode Dispensing System for Bulk and Single-Use Treating Chemistry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of cleaning appliances face inconvenience with manual dispensers that require frequent refilling and may not provide the correct dosage of treating chemistry, leading to suboptimal cleaning cycles.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a liquid bulk dispensing cartridge with a treating chemistry meter into the dispensing system, allowing for bulk dispensing functionality to be added to single-use dispensing chambers, ensuring accurate and efficient dispensing of treating chemistry during cleaning cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual single use dispenser is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent refilling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into a bulk storage container and multiple individual dispensing chambers. The bulk container stores large quantities of treating chemistry, while each chamber is segmented to hold a single dose, automatically receiving the correct amount from the bulk supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-fills multiple dispensing chambers from the bulk container in advance. Each chamber is automatically filled with the correct dosage before use, eliminating the need for manual refilling during operation.
2Productivity
If a bulk dispensing system is implemented, then the productivity improves by reducing refilling frequency, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk container serves multiple functions: it stores large quantities of treating chemistry, automatically doses multiple chambers, and can be refilled once to supply many cycles. This multi-functionality improves productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulk dispensing system is self-operating, automatically metering and distributing treating chemistry to individual chambers without user intervention. The system manages its own refilling process, improving productivity while keeping the user interface simple.
3Measurement precision
If manual dosing is performed, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to incorrect dosage
Solution Approach 1:
The manual dosing process is replaced with an automated metering mechanism that precisely measures and dispenses the correct amount of treating chemistry into each chamber, ensuring accurate dosage without requiring complex user judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a controller that monitors and controls the dispensing process, ensuring each chamber receives the precise dosage required. The controller manages the metering mechanism to maintain measurement precision across all dispensing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A household cleaning appliance having a rotatable drum located within the interior and defining a treating chamber for receiving an article for treating and a method for operating the household cleaning appliance. The household cleaning appliance includes a dispensing system that includes and can be operated as a non-bulk dispensing system or as a bulk dispensing system in a household cleaning appliance.