Fabric Treating Appliance Bulk Dispenser with Mechanical Timer Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fabric treating appliances require manual and frequent addition of treating chemistry like detergent and bleach during multiple wash cycles, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A fabric treating appliance with a bulk dispenser and mechanical timer valve system that allows for automated dispensing of treating chemistry based on user-selected load characteristics, eliminating the need for manual addition with each cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual addition of treating chemistry is used for each wash cycle, then the appliance can treat fabric effectively, but the operation becomes inconvenient and requires frequent user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk dispenser allows users to pre-load large quantities of treating chemistry (detergent, bleach, fabric softener) into a reservoir before multiple wash cycles. This preliminary action eliminates the need for frequent manual refilling during operation, reducing both user intervention and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical timer valve system automatically dispenses the required amount of treating chemistry at the appropriate time during the wash cycle without user intervention. The system serves itself by mechanically timing and dosing the chemicals based on pre-set parameters, freeing the user from manual addition tasks.
2Extent of automation
If automated dispensing systems are implemented, then operation convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a purely mechanical timer valve system without electronic controllers, sensors, or digital components. The automation is achieved through mechanical timing mechanisms that open and close valves at predetermined intervals, providing automated dispensing while keeping the system structurally simple and avoiding electronic complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical timer valve acts as an intermediary between the bulk dispenser reservoir and the wash tub. It automatically controls the flow of treating chemistry based on pre-set mechanical timing, mediating the dispensing process without requiring direct user intervention or complex electronic control systems.
3Productivity
If bulk dispensing reservoir is used, then refilling frequency is reduced, but the appliance requires additional space in the cabinet
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk dispenser reservoir is designed to hold multiple types of treating chemistry (detergent, bleach, fabric softener) that can be used across different wash cycles. This multi-functionality allows a single reservoir to serve multiple purposes and extend across many cycles, justifying the space allocation by significantly reducing overall refilling frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
A fabric treating appliance comprising a cabinet defining an interior and having a top wall defining an access opening. A cover movable relative to the cabinet between opened/closed positions to selectively close the access opening. A tub located within the interior and having an upper edge defining an open top, a rotatable basket located within the tub and having an upper edge defining a loading opening. A tank defining a bulk dispensing reservoir positioned in the cabinet, and a timer valve that is fluidly coupled to the bulk dispensing reservoir. A time selector is located on the tank and operably coupled to the timer valve. The time selector has non-time selection indicia such as load amount, liquid volume, or soil level. The timer valve is a mechanical timer valve.