Laundry care appliance with a liquid coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry care appliances lack an effective method to detect the filling level of liquids in removable storage containers, leading to potential dry-out issues during washing processes.
Innovation Solution
A laundry care appliance with a removable storage container and a fluid coupling system that uses two electrodes to detect liquid levels by applying voltage and measuring current flow, eliminating the need for additional electrical systems and live components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional fluid coupling is used to connect the removable storage container to the dosing device, then fluidic connection is achieved, but fill level detection is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid coupling function with the fill level detection function into a single integrated component. The fluid coupling includes both fluid channels for liquid transport and electrodes for electrical measurement, eliminating the need for separate detection systems and reducing overall device complexity while enabling accurate fill level monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid coupling is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides fluidic connection between the storage container and dosing device, enables fill level detection through integrated electrodes, and facilitates electrical connection. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving detection capability without adding separate electrical systems.
2Reliability
If electrodes are integrated into the fluid coupling for fill level detection, then detection capability is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes are nested within the fluid coupling structure, with the first electrode positioned in the receiving area and the second electrode extending into the fluid channel. This nested arrangement allows both detection functionality and structural integrity to be maintained without significant complexity increase, as the electrodes are integrated into the existing coupling geometry.
3Productivity
If the fluid coupling displaces the closing body to release the opening, then fluid flow is enabled, but electrical connection must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid coupling is segmented into distinct functional zones: the receiving area with the first electrode for electrical connection, and the fluid channel with the second electrode for both fluid transport and electrical detection. This segmentation allows the closing body to be displaced for fluid flow while the electrodes remain in their respective positions to maintain electrical connection and detection capability.
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
Ensures effective fluidic connection and level detection, preventing dry-out by informing users when liquid levels are low, reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid coupling having a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first and second electrode are in the second position of the displaceable closing body in contact with the container interior, wherein the first and zw voltage can be applied to the electrode in the second position of the displaceable closing body, and wherein the laundry care appliance has a controller which is electrically connected to the first and second electrodes and is designed to use a change in the current flow induced by the voltage to determine a fill level of the liquid in the removable reservoir
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a laundry care appliance (100) comprising a removable storage container (119). The removable storage container (119) has a container interior (125) for receiving a liquid (135), and the removable storage container (119) comprises a movable closing element (137) for closing an opening (131) in the removable storage container (119). The laundry care appliance also comprises a liquid coupling (105) for supplying the liquid (135) from the removable storage container (119) into a metering device of the laundry care appliance (100) through the opening (131). The liquid coupling (105) is designed to move the movable closing element (137) from a first position for closing the opening (131) into a second position for releasing the opening (131). The liquid coupling (105) has a first electrode (115) and a second electrode (117). The first and second electrode (115, 117) contact the container interior (125) in the second position of the movable closing element (137). A voltage can be applied to the first and second electrode (115, 117) in the second position of the movable closing element (137). The laundry care appliance (100) has a controller which is a electrically connected to the first and second electrode (115, 117) and which is designed to detect a fill state of the liquid (135) in the removable storage container (119) using a change in the current flow induced by the voltage.