Method for operating a laundry washing machine using a unit dose package and laundry washing machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of unit dose detergent packets in laundry washing machines often results in residual undissolved detergent causing spots or stains, incomplete cleaning due to insufficient rinsing, and inefficiencies in detergent distribution, leading to suboptimal washing cycles and potential allergic reactions.

Innovation Solution

A laundry washing machine with a treating agents dispenser that includes a compartment for a unit dose package with a water jet nozzle to break the detergent pouch within the dispenser, ensuring uniform distribution and complete utilization of the detergent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a unit dose detergent packet is inserted directly into the drum with laundry, then the detergent is easy to use and pre-measured, but the packet may remain trapped between clothing causing residual undissolved detergent and stains

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidstains on laundry
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent dispensing system is segmented into multiple compartments within the dispenser housing. The unit dose packet is received in a specific compartment that separates it from direct contact with laundry in the drum, preventing the packet from becoming trapped between clothes while still maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dispenser compartment acts as an intermediary between the unit dose packet and the laundry. Water is introduced into the compartment to dissolve the detergent packet before it is dispensed into the drum, ensuring complete dissolution and preventing residual detergent from causing stains.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the unit dose packet is placed in the drum, then it is simple to load, but the packet may move into the bellows during drum movement causing incomplete detergent utilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading simplicityVSAvoiddetergent loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser housing is divided into separate compartments including a receiving compartment and a dispensing compartment. The unit dose packet is confined to the receiving compartment during loading, preventing it from moving into the bellows. Water is then introduced to dissolve the packet in place, ensuring complete detergent utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Water is introduced into the receiving compartment before the washing cycle begins to dissolve the unit dose packet in advance. This preliminary dissolution action ensures the detergent is fully activated and ready for dispensing, preventing any loss of detergent substance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the unit dose packet dissolves before the washing cycle begins, then the detergent is released early, but the detergent may be drained away during the initial draining phase reducing cleaning effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedissolution timingVSAvoidwashing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary dissolution of the unit dose packet in a controlled manner by introducing water into the receiving compartment. The dissolved detergent remains in the compartment during the initial draining phase, and is then deliberately dispensed into the drum at the appropriate time, ensuring washing efficiency is maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system monitors the washing cycle phase and controls the timing of detergent dispensing. The detergent is held in the compartment until the appropriate phase is reached, then dispensed into the drum, ensuring optimal timing for washing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Object-affected harmful factors

If residual detergent remains in the bellows after washing, then it may contact laundry during rinsing phase, but removing all residual detergent requires additional rinsing cycles increasing time and water consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveallergic reactionsVSAvoidrinsing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The unit dose packet is completely dissolved in water within the receiving compartment before the washing cycle begins. This preliminary complete dissolution ensures no undissolved detergent packets remain to be trapped in the bellows, eliminating the source of residual detergent that could cause allergic reactions during rinsing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts the dissolution process from the drum environment and performs it in the isolated receiving compartment. This separation ensures that dissolution occurs in a controlled environment where residual detergent can be prevented from entering the bellows, eliminating the need for additional rinsing cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution prevents residual detergent from causing spots or stains, ensures complete detergent utilization, and optimizes washing cycles by ensuring the detergent is evenly distributed and fully activated before use, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and improving cleaning efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least a first one of said one or more water conveying lines comprises at least one nozzle for generating at least one water jet into said first compartment so that said at least one water jet hits and breaks said unit dose package

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP3575477B1Method for operating a laundry washing machine using a unit dose package and laundry washing machine
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP3575477B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3575477B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3575477B1 patent drawingFigure 5~5B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a laundry washing machine having a treating agents dispenser (20) provided with one or more compartments (23a) wherein one of the compartment is suited to receive a unit dose package (DP) comprising a pre-measured amount of treating agent (D) incorporated into a water-soluble pouch (P). The treating agents dispenser (20) comprises a water conveying line having at least one nozzle (41, 42, 43) for generating at least one water jet (51, 52, 53) which hits and breaks the unit dose package (DP) inside the compartment (23a).