Integrated Auto-Dosing Reservoir for Space-Saving Washing Machines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines face challenges in efficiently and space-efficiently dispensing liquid treatment agents due to issues with manual dispenser trays and existing automatic dosing systems that require additional space or complex hose connections, which can lead to incorrect dosing and clogging.
Innovation Solution
A water-carrying household appliance with an automatic dosing system integrated within the housing, featuring at least one reservoir and a submersible delivery pump, allowing for controlled dosing of multiple treatment agents without external hoses, utilizing space within the dispenser drawer and enabling precise dosing through a control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a separate reservoir and dosing facility arranged outside the container are used, then automatic dosing capability is achieved, but the appliance takes up additional space and requires long hoses that can become blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing facility is integrated inside the reservoir container, with the pump and dosing chamber nested within the reservoir structure. This eliminates the need for external hoses and separate dosing components, achieving automatic dosing while minimizing space usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir and dosing facility are merged into a single integrated unit. The pump, dosing chamber, and reservoir form one compact assembly that performs both storage and automatic dosing functions, eliminating the need for separate components and long hoses.
2Volume of stationary object
If conventional dispenser trays are used for liquid treatment agents, then space is saved, but the liquid agents run out before intended and cannot be properly contained
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing chamber is nested within the reservoir structure, creating a contained environment for liquid treatment agents. The integrated design ensures proper containment while utilizing the available dispenser space efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump system acts as an intermediary between the liquid treatment agent in the reservoir and the dispensing mechanism, enabling controlled delivery that prevents premature runoff while maintaining reliable containment.
3Device complexity
If manual dispenser trays are used, then device complexity is reduced, but incorrect dosing by the user occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic dosing without requiring user intervention for measurement or dispensing. The integrated pump and control system automatically deliver the correct amount of treatment agent, eliminating user error while keeping the overall device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors and controls the pump operation to achieve precise dosing. The system automatically regulates the dispensing process based on programmed parameters, ensuring accurate dosing while maintaining simple operation for the user.
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
The solution provides a space-efficient and reliable automatic dosing system for liquid treatment agents, eliminating the need for external hoses and reducing the risk of incorrect dosing, while maintaining the standard dimensions of the appliance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one delivery pump arranged within the reservoir in each instance, which is configured in such a manner that it is immersed in the medium present in the reservoir to deliver it
Data Source
AI summary
A water-carrying household appliance is provided that has a housing; a treatment chamber; and an automatic dosing system within the housing. The automatic dosing system has a reservoir for a liquid treatment agent and a delivery pump within the reservoir. The household appliance further includes a controller to control the automatic dosing system.