Laundry Dispenser Pod Flushing to Prevent Residue Buildup

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of unit dose detergent pods in laundry washing machines often results in the water-soluble pouches sticking to the side walls of the dispenser compartments, leading to residue accumulation, bacterial proliferation, and hygienic issues, as well as wasteful cleaning processes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a controlled sequence of water conveyance to wet, pause, and break the detergent pod, using a laminar-flow water jet to release the treating agent, followed by flushing to prevent residue accumulation and facilitate cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If water is conveyed directly to break the water-soluble pouch, then the treating agent is released quickly, but the pouch sticks to the side walls and forms gelatinous residues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of treating agent releaseVSAvoidresidue accumulation and bacterial proliferation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The water conveyance process is segmented into distinct phases: a first amount of water is conveyed to wet the pouch, then a pause occurs, followed by a second amount of water to break the pouch. This segmentation prevents the pouch from sticking to side walls while ensuring complete breakdown and release of the treating agent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A first amount of water is conveyed preliminarily to wet the water-soluble pouch before the main breaking action. This preliminary wetting prepares the pouch for breakdown without causing it to stick to the compartment walls, preventing subsequent residue accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the water-soluble pouch is broken quickly, then the treating agent is released efficiently, but cleaning operations must be frequently performed to remove residues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of treating agent releaseVSAvoidtime spent on cleaning operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The water conveyance is divided into a first amount for wetting and a second amount for breaking and flushing. This segmentation allows the pouch to be broken efficiently while simultaneously flushing residues into the washing tub, eliminating the need for separate cleaning operations of the dispenser compartment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second amount of water continues the useful action by both breaking the pouch and flushing the compartment. This continuous action ensures that treating agent is released efficiently while residues are simultaneously removed, preventing the need for separate cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a large amount of water is used to flush the compartment, then residues are removed effectively, but water consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresidue removal effectivenessVSAvoidwater consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The second amount of water is sufficient to break the pouch and flush residues, but not excessively large. This partial action achieves effective residue removal while optimizing water consumption, avoiding the waste associated with using large amounts of water for flushing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 method effectively prevents residue accumulation, reduces bacterial growth, and minimizes wasteful cleaning processes by ensuring the detergent pod is broken and flushed efficiently, maintaining hygiene and reducing maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

a water-soluble pouch, wherein the treating agent preferably includes detergent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

by means of a water jet which hits the pod and breaks the water-soluble pouch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 3

a step of conveying an amount of flushing water into said compartment to flush out the released pre-measured amount of treating agent from the compartment and convey it into the washing tub

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS11091870B2Method for operating a laundry washing machine using a unit dose package and laundry washing machine implementing the method

Publication Date: 2021.08.17 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES

AI summary

A method for operating a laundry washing machine equipped with a treating agents dispenser comprising a drawer having a compartment suitable to receive a unit dose package comprising a pre-measured amount of treating agent incorporated into a water-soluble, pouch. The method comprises conveying a first amount of water to the compartment to wet the unit dose package, making a pause, and conveying a second amount of water to the compartment for breaking the water-soluble pouch of the unit dose package.