Mechanical Bulk Detergent Dispenser for Multi-Cycle Washers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fabric treating appliances, such as washing machines, often require manual and frequent addition of treating chemistry like detergent during multiple cycles, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A bulk dispenser system with a mechanical timer valve and time selector that allows for controlled dispensing of treating chemistry based on load amount, liquid volume, or soil level, enabling automated and precise distribution of chemicals for multiple cycles without manual refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual addition of treating chemistry is used during multiple cycles, then the appliance can operate with simple dispensing mechanisms, but user convenience deteriorates due to frequent manual refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk dispenser allows users to pre-load a large quantity of treating chemistry into a bulk dispensing reservoir before multiple cycles begin. This preliminary action eliminates the need for frequent manual refilling during operation, directly improving ease of operation while the automated timer valve maintains acceptable device complexity
2Extent of automation
If automated dispensing is implemented, then user intervention is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to timer valve mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The timer valve is designed to automatically control the dispensing of treating chemistry based on pre-set time parameters without requiring continuous user intervention. The system serves itself by automatically opening and closing the valve at appropriate times during the wash cycle, achieving high extent of automation while keeping the mechanical timer valve design relatively simple and maintenance-friendly
3Reliability
If precise chemical distribution is achieved through automated systems, then cleaning performance is optimized, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The time selector mechanism provides a feedback-based control system where users set desired dispensing times based on load characteristics, and the timer valve automatically adjusts dispensing duration accordingly. This creates a closed-loop system that ensures consistent and reliable cleaning performance by delivering the precise amount of chemistry needed, while maintaining relatively simple mechanical feedback components rather than complex electronic controls
Data Source
AI summary
A bulk dispenser for a fabric treating appliance wherein the fabric treating appliance has a tank defining a bulk dispensing reservoir and a timer valve that is fluidly coupled to the bulk dispensing reservoir. A time selector is located on the tank and operably coupled to the timer valve. The time selector has non-time selection indicia such as load amount, liquid volume, or soil level. The timer valve is a mechanical timer valve.