Multi-Receptacle Laundry Dosing Control for Flexible Detergent Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treatment appliances, such as washing machines, require fixed laundry treatment agents for predetermined program sequences, limiting user flexibility in adapting the treatment agents according to their needs.
Innovation Solution
A water-bearing domestic appliance with multiple dosing containers and pumps, controlled by a programmable controller that allows users to select and adjust treatment agents and dosing parameters based on specific laundry programs, enabling flexible use of different detergents and care products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed laundry treatment agents are used for predetermined program sequences, then the dosing system operates reliably with predetermined agents, but user flexibility in adapting treatment agents is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the dosing program sequence based on user-defined parameters. The controller modifies the execution of dosing programs according to concentration factors and blocking parameters set by the user, allowing the same physical dosing system to reliably handle both predetermined and customized treatment agent configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces configurable parameters (concentration factors, blocking parameters) that change the operational behavior of the dosing system without altering the physical hardware. By adjusting these parameters, users can adapt the system to different detergent concentrations and program requirements while maintaining reliable automated operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dosing containers with different treatment agents are provided, then user adaptability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing system is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple treatment agents through a single integrated controller. The controller manages multiple dosing containers and pumps using a unified program sequence structure, allowing the system to perform multiple dosing functions without requiring separate control systems for each container.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the dosing function into separate containers and pumps for different treatment agents, while the controller integrates these segments through a coordinated program sequence. This segmentation allows independent configuration of each dosing container with blocking parameters, reducing the complexity of managing multiple agents simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If dosing is controlled based on detergent concentration, then dosing accuracy improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user pre-defines concentration factors for different detergent types before executing the wash program. The controller stores these concentration factors and automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate factor based on the selected program, eliminating the need for real-time concentration measurement while maintaining dosing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses configurable concentration parameters that modify the dosing quantity based on predetermined detergent characteristics. By changing these parameters according to the detergent type and concentration, the system achieves accurate dosing through software-based adjustment rather than complex hardware sensing and control 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
Enables users to customize laundry treatment programs with various detergents and care products, improving user experience and adaptability to different laundry types and detergent concentrations, while ensuring accurate dosing independent of detergent concentration.
Implementation Method 1
a first dosing pump, which is used to meter a treatment agent from the first dosing container, which is fed into the treatment area
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A water-conducting household appliance (1), which is used in particular as a laundry treatment appliance for washing laundry, comprises a first dosage receptacle (6) and at least one second dosage receptacle (7), a treatment zone (17), a first dosing pump (12) used for dosing a treatment substance from the first dosage receptacle (6) into the treatment zone (17), a second dosing pump (13) used for dosing a treatment substance from the second dosage receptacle (7) into the treatment zone (17), and a controller (25). The controller (25) is used for controlling the dosing pumps (12, 13). Multiple treatment programs, to which a user assigns variable program parameters, are stored in the controller (25). The controller (25) controls the dosing pumps (12, 13) in accordance with the set program parameters during a program cycle of the currently selected treatment program.