Laundry Chemistry Inlet Rinsing for Clean Reservoir Refills
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residual treating chemistry left in the dispensing system upon removal of a reservoir can contaminate subsequent chemistry and interfere with the proper functioning of the dispensing system.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the direct spraying of a cleaning fluid onto the interface between the reservoir and the dispensing system to rinse and remove residual treating chemistry, ensuring thorough cleaning and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable reservoir is used for dispensing treating chemistry, then ease of operation and refilling is improved, but residual treating chemistry remains in the dispensing system causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary cleaning action by activating a cleaning fluid dispensing mechanism before the reservoir is removed or refilled. This preliminary action removes residual treating chemistry from the dispensing system, preventing contamination of subsequent chemistry while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A cleaning fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance between the removal of one reservoir and the installation of the next. This cleaning fluid mediates the transition by flushing residual chemistry from the dispensing system, ensuring that no contamination occurs during the reservoir replacement process.
2Measurement precision
If treating chemistry is dispensed through a metering pump, then precise dosage control is improved, but residual chemistry accumulates in the pump and dispensing lines
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by automatically initiating a cleaning cycle whenever the reservoir is removed or refilled. This continuous cleaning action ensures that residual chemistry is promptly removed from the metering pump and dispensing lines, preventing accumulation while maintaining precise dosage control during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards residual treating chemistry by flushing it out with cleaning fluid through the metering pump and dispensing lines. This discarding action prevents accumulation of residual chemistry that could interfere with subsequent dispensing operations, while the cleaning fluid is recovered and drained appropriately.
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
Effectively removes residual treating chemistry, preventing interference with the dispensing system and ensuring clean operation for subsequent cycles, thereby maintaining the integrity and performance of the system.
Implementation Method 1
spraying directly the inlet with a cleaning fluid, whereby the spraying of the cleaning fluid at least partially removes any residual treating chemistry on the inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for at least partially removing residual treating chemistry on an interface between a removable treating chemistry reservoir and a dispensing system of a laundry treating appliance.