Laundry Dispenser Multi-Outlet Flushing to Reduce Sudsing and Residue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating appliance dispensers often face issues with incorrect type of treating chemistry being used, leading to incomplete removal and poor mixing of chemicals, which can affect the efficacy of subsequent doses and alter dosages undesirably.
Innovation Solution
A liquid distribution header system that distributes water to the dispenser cups with varying flow velocities and directions, ensuring effective removal of residual chemistry and improved mixing by using a combination of high-velocity jets and lower-velocity shower-like sprays to strike different parts of the cup, including the side, top, and bottom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is flushed through the cup to dispense treating chemistry, then the treating chemistry is dispensed into the treating chamber, but the water may not fully remove the treating chemistry from the cup or there may be poor mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The water distribution system is segmented into multiple outlets positioned at different locations (side, top, and bottom of the cup) to deliver water flows that collectively achieve complete removal and mixing. This segmentation allows each outlet to target specific areas of the cup, ensuring comprehensive coverage and effective residual chemistry removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cup receive water flows with different characteristics (velocity, direction, flow rate) tailored to the local requirements. The side outlet provides high-velocity flow for striking the cover and dislodging residues, while the bottom outlet provides flow for rinsing the cup base, achieving local optimization of cleaning and mixing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If multiple water outlets are used to improve mixing and removal, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution header is designed as a universal component that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes water for dispensing chemistry, provides high-velocity flows for removing residues from the cover, delivers rinsing flows to the cup bottom, and creates mixing actions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the dispensing function, cleaning function, and mixing function into a single integrated water distribution system. The multiple outlets are merged into one distribution header structure, and the various water flows are combined to work together synergistically for complete chemistry removal and cup rinsing.
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 ensures thorough removal of residual chemistry and uniform mixing, reducing suds production and preventing dosage alterations, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of subsequent chemical dispensing cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a first water flow emitted through the first water outlet strikes a side of the cover
Implementation Method 2
a second water flow emitted through the second water outlet strikes a top of the cover
Implementation Method 3
a third water flow emitted through the third water outlet strikes a bottom of the cup
Implementation Method 4
the first flow of water has a greater velocity than the second flow of water
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating appliance having a detergent dispenser that may be flushed with a water flow for removal of residual powder while reducing sudsing.