Laundry liquid mixing apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face the challenge of managing multiple laundry products for different fabric types and stain requirements, leading to unnecessary enzyme and bleach use in unsuitable washes, which can harm fabrics and the environment, and existing products cannot provide bespoke formulations for specific needs.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple reservoirs for different laundry ingredients, controlled by a computer module that dispenses the appropriate combination of ingredients based on user input, allowing for customizable laundry compositions tailored to specific wash loads, eliminating the need for multiple products and minimizing ingredient incompatibility and degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate laundry products are stored and used for different fabric types and stain requirements, then fabric care and stain removal effectiveness are improved, but the complexity of product management increases and unnecessary ingredients are used in unsuitable washes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate laundry products into a single multi-reservoir device that can dispense different ingredient compositions (detergent, enzymes, bleaches, softeners) as needed. This merging approach maintains the benefits of specialized products while eliminating the complexity of managing multiple separate bottles and boxes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a universal laundry station that can handle different fabric types and stain requirements through a single system. The multi-functional device replaces multiple specialized products by providing on-demand dispensing of various ingredient compositions based on user selection.
2Ease of operation
If one laundry product is used for all wash loads regardless of suitability, then product management becomes simple, but unnecessary enzymes and bleaches are used which have detrimental effects on fabric care and the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from static pre-formulated products to dynamic on-demand formulation. The system allows users to select from different ingredient compositions for each wash load, enabling the laundry product to adapt dynamically to specific fabric types and stain requirements rather than using a fixed formulation for all loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies the principle of local quality by providing different ingredient compositions tailored to specific needs (different fabrics, different stain types) rather than a uniform formulation. Each reservoir contains specialized ingredients that can be dispensed locally according to the specific requirements of each wash load.
3Quantity of substance
If laundry ingredients are stored together in single products, then product availability is improved, but ingredient incompatibility and degradation occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments incompatible laundry ingredients into separate reservoirs, preventing direct contact and chemical reactions during storage. Each reservoir maintains ingredient stability by physical separation, while the system ensures all required ingredients are available and dispensed together only when needed for the wash cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary preparation by pre-storing different ingredient compositions in separate reservoirs, ready for dispensing. The system ensures ingredients are prepared and available in advance but kept separate to maintain stability, then combines them at the moment of use rather than mixing them during storage.
4Manufacturing precision
If laundry liquid products are manufactured with homogeneous composition and specific viscosity, then product consistency is improved, but flexibility in ingredient identity and ratios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables dynamic formulation by allowing different ingredient compositions to be mixed in varying ratios based on specific wash requirements. This dynamic approach replaces static pre-formulated products with on-demand customization, providing both consistency through controlled dispensing and flexibility through variable ingredient combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of laundry product formulation by allowing variable ingredient ratios and compositions rather than fixed formulations. The device maintains manufacturing precision through controlled dispensing mechanisms while achieving adaptability by adjusting ingredient proportions based on user selection and specific wash needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for providing a laundry product to a wash load based on user input, comprising a dosing unit (2) for placing in a washing machine drum and a dispensing device (1) having a dispensing area (3), a nozzle (4) and a plurality of reservoir cartridges (6a, 6b, 6c) containing various laundry products that are combined by a user and which are dispensed into the dosing unit (2) by said nozzle (4) as soon as said dosing unit (2) is placed in the dispensing area (3) located underneath the nozzle (4).