Method and system for reducing auto-dosing fluctuation of an automatic cleaning machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic cleaning machines with auto-dosing capabilities experience significant detergent dosing fluctuations, leading to inconsistent cleaning performance, and existing precision-improving devices add complexity and cost, making them impractical for retrofitting or replacing existing machines.
Innovation Solution
Employing a liquid detergent with a total surfactant level of at least 25 wt% and a high-shear viscosity ranging from 10 mPa·s to 500 mPa·s, which exhibits shear-thinning properties, reducing dosing fluctuations without the need for additional precision devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If additional precision-improving devices (such as single dose chamber with sensors and controllers) are installed to reduce dosing deviations, then dosing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the rheological parameters of the detergent composition, specifically formulating it with shear-thinning properties where viscosity decreases at higher shear rates. This parameter change allows the detergent to flow more easily during high-speed automatic dosing operations, reducing dosing deviations without requiring additional precision-improving devices
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a chemical copy or substitute for the mechanical precision-improving devices by using detergent composition with controlled rheological properties. Instead of adding physical devices to improve dosing accuracy, the solution copies the precision function through chemical formulation - the shear-thinning detergent naturally compensates for dosing fluctuations that would otherwise require mechanical correction devices
2Manufacturing precision
If additional precision-improving devices are installed to reduce dosing deviations, then dosing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the rheological parameters of the detergent composition, specifically formulating it with shear-thinning properties where viscosity decreases at higher shear rates. This parameter change allows the detergent to flow more easily during high-speed automatic dosing operations, reducing dosing deviations without requiring additional precision-improving devices
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a chemically formulated detergent composition as a low-cost alternative to expensive mechanical precision devices. Rather than investing in costly single-dose chambers, sensors, and controllers, the solution employs a relatively inexpensive rheological modification of the detergent itself to achieve dosing precision, effectively replacing capital-intensive equipment with a consumable chemical solution
3Device complexity
If manual filling of detergent dispensing trays is performed, then no additional devices are needed, but user convenience deteriorates and dosing accuracy fluctuates due to overfilling or underfilling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the detergent to self-regulate its dosing behavior through its shear-thinning rheological properties. During automatic dosing operations, the detergent naturally adjusts its flow characteristics based on the shear rate conditions, eliminating the need for user intervention or complex control systems. The detergent essentially serves itself by using its own physical properties to ensure accurate dosing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical control system (sensors, controllers, flow meters) with a rheological property-based control mechanism. The shear-thinning behavior of the detergent composition substitutes for mechanical precision devices, using the detergent's own physical response to shear stress to regulate flow and achieve consistent dosing without mechanical intervention
4Device complexity
If manual filling of detergent dispensing trays is performed, then no additional devices are needed, but dosing accuracy deteriorates due to overfilling or underfilling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the rheological parameters of the detergent composition, specifically formulating it with shear-thinning properties where viscosity decreases at higher shear rates. This parameter change allows the detergent to flow more easily during high-speed automatic dosing operations, reducing dosing deviations without requiring additional precision-improving devices
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
The use of this detergent composition significantly reduces dosing fluctuations and improves dosing accuracy in automatic cleaning machines, ensuring consistent cleaning performance across cycles without the need for additional precision-improving devices or machine replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a high-shear viscosity ranging from about 10 mPa·s to about 500 mPa·s when measured at 20° C. at a relatively high shear rate of about 20 s−1
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing auto-dosing fluctuation of a washing machine equipped with an automatic dosing device, by using a liquid detergent with a relatively low high-shear viscosity. A cleaning system including a washing machine equipped with an auto-dosing device, in combination with a liquid detergent characterized by a relative low high-shear viscosity.