Multi-Stage Additive Dispenser Using Dual Siphon Water Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine additive dispensers typically dispense additives in a single dose during a wash or rinse cycle, which may not optimize the performance of additives like detergent and do not efficiently utilize space or simplify the water supply system.
Innovation Solution
The design of an additive dispenser with multiple siphons of different peak heights and cap positions within a reservoir, allowing for staged dispensing of additives by controlling water flow through the dispenser, enabling multiple doses of additives to be dispensed during a cycle without requiring complex systems or control methodologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single additive dispenser reservoir is used, then space is efficiently utilized and the water supply system is simplified, but the ability to dispense multiple doses at different stages is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single reservoir is segmented into multiple dispensing zones by positioning multiple siphons at different vertical heights. Each siphon activates at a specific water level threshold, creating distinct dispensing stages without requiring separate physical compartments or reservoirs. This segmentation enables multi-dose functionality while maintaining a unified reservoir structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension within the reservoir by positioning siphons at different heights. This vertical stratification allows the system to differentiate between multiple dispensing stages based on water level, transforming a single-space reservoir into a multi-functional dispensing system without increasing horizontal footprint or overall complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple siphons at different heights are used, then multiple doses can be dispensed at different stages, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple siphons share the same basic structural design and operational mechanism, but are positioned at different heights to perform different dispensing functions. This universal design approach allows the system to achieve multi-dose capability using replicated simple components rather than complex unique mechanisms, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The siphon system operates automatically based on water level without requiring external control mechanisms. As water fills the reservoir, siphons activate and deactivate autonomously at their respective height thresholds, enabling the system to self-regulate multiple dispensing stages without complex control electronics or manual intervention, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving high productivity.
3Reliability
If a single dose is dispensed, then the dispenser structure remains simple, but additive performance is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser delivers additives in periodic doses corresponding to different water levels during the wash cycle. By positioning siphons at different heights, the system creates naturally periodic dispensing intervals that align with cycle stages (e.g., wash phase, rinse phase), optimizing additive performance through timed delivery without requiring complex control systems to manage the timing.
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
This solution allows for enhanced additive performance by dispensing portions at different stages of the wash cycle, efficiently utilizing space and simplifying the water supply system, thereby improving washing machine operation without complex components or control methods.
Implementation Method 1
The additive dispenser includes a first siphon positioned within the additive reservoir and a second siphon positioned within the additive reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
An additive dispenser for a washing machine appliance is provided. The additive dispenser includes sidewalls and a bottom wall defining an additive reservoir. A first siphon and a second siphon are positioned within the additive reservoir. The first siphon defines a first peak and a first inlet. The second siphon defines a second peak and a second inlet. The first peak is defined at a lower vertical height than the second peak, and the first inlet is defined at a greater vertical height than the second inlet. Also provided are methods for operating a washing machine appliance having an additive dispenser, where the additive dispenser includes sidewalls and a bottom wall defining an additive reservoir, a first siphon defining a first inlet, and a second siphon defining a second inlet. The methods include opening and closing one or more valves to flow water to the additive reservoir of the dispenser.