Flushing compartment for storage monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reordering cleaning agents in domestic settings are inefficient, as users often realize too late that supplies are low, and the need for fill level sensors on individual detergent containers leads to uneconomical production and waste.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a dispensing apparatus with integrated sensors that determine the quantity and type of cleaning agent used, allowing for automated reordering and eliminating the need for sensors on individual containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fill level sensors are integrated into individual detergent containers, then monitoring precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and waste is generated when containers are discarded
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is extracted from the disposable container and relocated to the permanent dispensing apparatus. The container becomes a simple storage vessel without embedded electronics, while the sensor remains in the reusable dispensing unit, eliminating the need to discard electronic components with each container.
Solution Approach 2:
Water serves as an intermediary medium to transmit the cleaning agent from the container through the dispensing apparatus. The sensor monitors the cleaning agent indirectly by detecting properties of the water-cleaning agent mixture during dispensing, eliminating the need for direct contact sensors in the container.
2Reliability
If multiple detergent types are stored separately, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but user overview and selection difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides universal monitoring capability that works across multiple detergent types and container configurations. The sensor apparatus can detect and track various cleaning agents through their common interaction with water during dispensing, providing a unified interface for monitoring all detergent types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automated feedback to the user about detergent levels and usage across all container types. Instead of requiring users to manually check multiple containers, the sensor apparatus continuously monitors and communicates status information, enabling informed selection and automatic reordering.
3Device complexity
If manual monitoring of detergent supply is required, then device complexity is reduced, but user time and attention requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring of detergent levels through the integrated sensor apparatus. The sensor automatically detects cleaning agent quantity and usage without requiring user intervention, and the system can autonomously trigger reordering when thresholds are reached, freeing users from manual monitoring tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and assessment of detergent levels continuously, before the user needs to use the detergent. This advance monitoring allows the system to predict when supplies will be depleted and initiate reordering automatically, eliminating the need for users to remember to check supplies.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates in particular to a device comprising a flushing device (10) and a sensor device (20), wherein the flushing device (10) is designed to receive or contain a cleaning agent, and wherein the flushing device (10) and the sensor device (20) are or can be integrated into a cleaning device (1). According to the present disclosure, the sensor device (20) is designed to determine a quantity information that is representative of the amount of cleaning agent filled into the flushing device (10).