Foam-Sensing Detergent Dosing for Water-Carrying Wash Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines and dishwashers face challenges in optimally dosing cleaning agents, leading to inadequate cleaning effects, excessive foam formation, environmental impact, and unnecessary costs due to inadequate dosage control.
Innovation Solution
A water-carrying device equipped with a container, metering device, controller, and measuring unit that detects foam formation to automatically and precisely dose cleaning agents, ensuring optimal foam thickness for effective cleaning while preventing excessive foam and environmental harm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning agent is added to achieve desired cleaning effect, then cleaning performance is improved, but excessive foam formation occurs leading to machine malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a measuring unit (optical sensor, radar, or capacitive sensor) continuously monitors foam thickness in the container. The controller receives measurement signals and adjusts the dosing of cleaning agent accordingly. When foam thickness reaches a predetermined threshold, the controller stops or reduces further dosing, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that prevents excessive foam while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the dosing parameters of cleaning agent based on real-time foam thickness measurements. Instead of using fixed predetermined dosages, the controller adjusts the amount, concentration, and timing of cleaning agent addition according to the measured foam level, transforming a static dosing process into a dynamic parameter-adjustment system that optimizes both cleaning effect and foam control.
2Reliability
If cleaning agent is overdosed to ensure cleaning, then cleaning effect is improved, but unnecessary costs and environmental strain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system precisely monitors foam thickness and adjusts cleaning agent dosing in real-time, preventing both under-dosing and over-dosing. The controller stops dosing when the foam thickness reaches the optimal range, ensuring that cleaning agent is used efficiently without waste, thereby reducing both economic costs and environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-regulating dosing where the measuring unit automatically detects foam levels and the controller autonomously adjusts dosing without user intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures optimal cleaning agent usage by allowing the system to self-correct dosage levels based on actual foam conditions, eliminating the need for user estimation or predetermined fixed dosages.
3Ease of operation
If predetermined dosing programs are used, then dosing process is simplified, but dosage precision is insufficient leading to inadequate or excessive dosing
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the simplicity of predetermined dosing programs with the precision of real-time feedback control. While users can still select from predefined programs, the measuring unit continuously monitors foam thickness and the controller automatically adjusts dosing within these programs to achieve precise dosage, merging ease of operation with dosage accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms static predetermined dosing programs into dynamic dosing processes that adapt in real-time based on foam thickness measurements. The dosing parameters (amount, rate, timing) are no longer fixed but dynamically adjusted during the washing cycle based on actual foam conditions, allowing the system to maintain simplicity of operation while achieving precision through continuous adaptation.
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
Achieves optimal cleaning results by automatically adjusting cleaning agent dosage based on foam thickness, reducing foam-related disruptions and environmental impact while minimizing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the measuring unit (5) comprises two electrodes (13) that extend at least partially through the water (W) and / or through the foam (S) and with which the foam thickness (D) can be measured
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A water-carrying device (1) comprises a container (2) for holding water (W) and at least one treatment agent (B) to be dissolved in the water and objects (G) to be treated and a metering device (3) for metering the at least one Treatment agent (B). The device (1) further comprises a controller (4) and a measuring unit (5) working together with the controller (4), with which measuring unit (5) the foam (S) resulting from the at least one treatment agent (B) in the container (2) is detectable, with the measuring unit (5) data or a signal for the controller (4) can be provided, the data or the signal representing the state of the foam (S) or a parameter of the foam (S), and that after Determination of the data or the signal that at least one treatment agent (B) can be dosed from the dosing device (3).