Laundry Pod Dispenser Water Jets for Complete Detergent Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of unit dose detergent pods in laundry washing machines often results in residual undissolved detergent, leading to spots or stains on laundry, inefficient rinsing, and incomplete detergent utilization due to pod breakage or delayed release, causing detergent to be drained or not used effectively during the washing cycle.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a laundry washing machine that involves introducing a unit dose detergent package into a compartment of a treating agents dispenser, where it is broken by a controlled water jet or dissolution, ensuring the detergent is released and mixed with water before reaching the laundry, thus preventing residual issues and ensuring complete utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a unit dose detergent pod is inserted directly into the drum with laundry, then the detergent is convenient to use and pre-measured, but the pod may remain trapped in the middle of the load causing residual undissolved detergent and spots on laundry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a treating agents dispenser as an intermediary device between the pod and the laundry. The dispenser contains a compartment that receives the pod and uses water jets to break it down, preventing direct contact between the intact pod and laundry, thus eliminating spots and stains caused by residual undissolved detergent.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by breaking down the pod in the dispenser compartment before the detergent is released into the drum. Water jets are used to dissolve the pod packaging and release detergent contents in advance, ensuring complete dissolution before contact with laundry.
2Ease of operation
If the pod is inserted into the drum, then it is simple to load, but the pod may move inside the bellows and remain undissolved, negatively affecting cleaning effect
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser acts as an intermediary that prevents the pod from moving into the bellows. By containing and breaking down the pod in a controlled compartment with water jets, the system ensures complete detergent dissolution before release, maintaining full cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary dissolution of the pod in the dispenser compartment using water jets before the detergent is released into the drum. This preliminary action ensures the detergent is fully activated and mixed with water, preventing any loss of cleaning effect.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pod breaks down before the washing cycle begins, then the detergent is released early, but the detergent may be drained away during the initial draining phase
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser compartment serves as a protective intermediary that controls when detergent is released. It prevents premature breakdown and ensures detergent is only released into the drum when appropriate, preventing loss during the initial draining phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control to determine when to release detergent from the dispenser. The control unit monitors washing cycle progress and activates water jets to break down the pod at the optimal moment, preventing premature release and detergent loss.
4Productivity
If the pod is broken by water jets in the dispenser compartment, then complete detergent release is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hydraulic principles by employing water jets from the existing water supply to break down the pod. This leverages the machine's existing hydraulic infrastructure rather than requiring separate mechanical breaking mechanisms, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser compartment serves multiple functions: it receives pods, stores them during delay periods, breaks them down using water jets, and controls their release timing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
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 ensures all detergent is used during the wash cycle, reduces the risk of spots and stains, and guarantees efficient rinsing by ensuring the detergent is uniformly distributed and fully utilized, addressing the inefficiencies of traditional pod use.
Implementation Method 1
a step of breaking the water-soluble pouch of the unit dose package inside the compartment so as to release the pre-measured amount of treating agent
Implementation Method 2
a step of conveying an amount of flushing water into the first compartment to flush out the released pre-measured amount of treating agent from the first compartment and convey it into the washing tub through the supply line
Implementation Method 3
conveying water to the first compartment from one of the water conveying lines so that the water dissolves the water-soluble pouch of the unit dose package
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry washing machine having a cabinet, a washing drum, a washing tub, and a dispenser having a first region with an open top configured to receive a unit dose package comprising treating agent incorporated into a water-soluble pouch. The first region has walls that converge towards a dispenser outlet that is dimensioned to hold the package within a predefined zone when the unit dose package is unbroken. A valve is provided and connected to a source of pressurized water. A water conveying line connects the valve to one or more outlets via a water-tight line, such that the outlets are configured to direct a respective pressurized flow of water therethrough. At least one of the outlets is configured to direct a respective pressurized flow of water into the first region towards the predefined zone.