Image-Based Detergent Dosing System for Laundry Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of correctly dosing detergent in laundry appliances is exacerbated by the multitude of detergent suppliers, formulations, washing machine capacities, dispenser types, and varying laundry loads, leading to suboptimal cleaning and increased expenses due to overdosing or underdosing.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive dosing system that uses a mobile device with a camera and image recognition to identify detergent containers and recommend the appropriate dosage based on shape, color, text, and brand logo, integrating with the laundry appliance's automated dispenser for precise detergent application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If consumers manually dose detergent based on supplier recommendations, then they can control detergent usage, but the complexity increases due to multiple suppliers, formulations, and varying load requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the detergent container itself to provide dosing information through machine-readable codes (barcodes, QR codes, RFID tags) that automatically convey formulation and dosage data to the appliance controller, eliminating the need for manual consumer interpretation of supplier recommendations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical dosing with an automated electronic system that uses optical sensors or RFID readers to detect detergent container codes and automatically calculates and dispenses the correct dosage based on load size and detergent properties
2Ease of operation
If automated dispensers are used to simplify dosing, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the automated dispenser system to handle multiple detergent formulations and container types through a single interface that reads machine-readable codes, allowing one device to universally accommodate various detergent suppliers and types without requiring separate dosing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces machine-readable codes on detergent containers as an intermediary that carries all necessary dosing information, formulation data, and identification details, enabling the dispenser to automatically adapt to different detergents without complex manual programming
3Loss of substance
If precise dosing is implemented to reduce costs, then detergent usage optimization improves, but measurement precision requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent container codes pre-encode the optimal dosage information determined by the manufacturer, allowing the system to retrieve and apply precise dosing parameters without requiring complex real-time measurement and calculation during the dosing process
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detected detergent container code to automatically adjust the dispensing amount, ensuring precise dosing that matches the specific detergent formulation and the detected load size, thereby minimizing waste while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
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 system simplifies detergent dosing by providing accurate and personalized recommendations, enhancing cleaning performance while reducing costs by ensuring the right amount of detergent is used, thus improving the customer experience.
Implementation Method 1
An image of a detergent container captured by a user is received
Implementation Method 2
Image recognition is performed on the image of the detergent container to identify a detergent to be used based on the shape, color, text, and/or brand logo of the detergent container
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for improved laundry dosing are provided. An image of a detergent container captured by a user is received. Image recognition is performed on the image of the detergent container to identify a detergent to be used based on shape, color, text, and/or brand logo of the detergent container. Parameters of the detergent are identified based on the image recognition. A dose of the detergent is recommended and/or a controlled release of a dose of the detergent is performed for a laundry cycle of a laundry appliance according to the parameters.