Gravity Detergent Dosing With Venting for Precise Washer Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine dispensing systems, particularly single-use systems, require frequent manual filling and can lead to user errors in dosing detergents, while bulk systems are less common due to higher costs associated with pumps and sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing gravity to dose detergent into a washing machine, employing a diverter valve with a detergent inlet, outlet, and air vent, controlled by a user interface and controller to determine and dispense the precise amount of detergent needed, eliminating the need for pumps and reducing user error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If single-use dispensing systems are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to frequent manual filling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-filling a bulk detergent storage tank, eliminating the need for frequent manual refilling of single-use cups. The gravity-based dispensing mechanism is pre-configured to automatically dispense detergent when needed, reducing user intervention while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulk dispensing system with gravity-based flow metering enables self-service operation. Once the bulk tank is filled, the system automatically measures and dispenses the correct amount of detergent using the gravity flow mechanism and flow sensor, without requiring user intervention for each dosing cycle.
2Productivity
If bulk dispensing systems are used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to pumps and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the pump component from the bulk dispensing system, replacing it with a gravity-based flow control mechanism. The pump function is taken out and replaced by utilizing gravity to drive detergent flow through the dispensing system, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining bulk dispensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical pump system is replaced with a gravity-based flow control system. The invention uses gravity as the driving force for detergent flow and employs a flow sensor with feedback control to regulate dispensing, substituting complex mechanical pumping with a simpler gravity-based mechanism combined with electronic control.
3Device complexity
If gravity-based dispensing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by using a flow sensor to continuously monitor the amount of detergent dispensed and comparing it to the target dosage. The controller adjusts the dispensing process in real-time based on this feedback, ensuring precise measurement despite the simplicity of the gravity-based flow mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow sensor serves multiple functions: it measures flow rate, determines when the target dosage is reached, and provides feedback for control. This multi-functionality allows the simple gravity-based system to achieve precise measurement without adding complex dedicated measuring mechanisms.
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 simplifies the detergent dosing process, reduces user error, and lowers costs by eliminating the need for pumps, providing a convenient and accurate dispensing system for both single-use and bulk detergent applications.
Implementation Method 1
A method utilizing gravity to dose detergent into a washing machine
Implementation Method 2
venting the remaining fluid by opening of the air vent
Data Source
AI summary
A method of dosing detergent into a cleaning chamber of a washing machine using gravity. The method comprises providing an amount of detergent to be used in a washing machine, providing a detergent storage tank, providing a diverter valve comprising a detergent inlet, a detergent outlet, and an air vent, presenting a user interface at a location accessible to a user for a user to input load characteristics, relaying information via electrical signals from the user interface to a controller in electrical communication with the user interface, determining a dosage requirement and dispensing a fluid into the cleaning chamber.