Modular Fluidic Interface for Flexible Washing Machine Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing systems for washing machines lack flexibility and user-friendliness, particularly when dealing with diverse washing needs and sequential addition of substances during the washing process.
Innovation Solution
A dosing device with a modular fluidic interface featuring multiple outlet connections arranged in groups with identical patterns, allowing for flexible placement and actuation of containers with varying sizes and substances, enabling precise and adaptable dosing through mechanical multiplexing and automatic closure of unused connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional dosing system with fixed outlet connections is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different washing programs and substances is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic interface is segmented into multiple outlet connections arranged in groups, where each group corresponds to specific washing program requirements. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary outlets for each program, providing adaptability without requiring a completely reconfigurable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is designed to accommodate containers of different sizes and types at predetermined positions, and the fluidic interface provides multiple outlet connections that can serve different washing programs. This multi-functionality allows a single dosing device to handle various washing scenarios without requiring separate dedicated systems for each program.
2Measurement precision
If individual dosing units are provided for each container outlet, then precise dosing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple container outlets that connect to the same fluidic interface group share common dosing infrastructure. The dosing mechanism is merged across multiple outlets, reducing the total number of independent dosing units while maintaining precise dosing capability through the shared fluidic control system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple containers with different substances are used, then flexibility for different washing needs is improved, but the complexity of managing outlets and connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet connection management is extracted and standardized through the fluidic interface with predefined groups of outlet connections. This separation of connection management from container management simplifies the overall system, as the fluidic interface provides a fixed, organized structure for connecting multiple containers regardless of their individual outlet configurations.
4Measurement precision
If the carrier accommodates containers at predetermined positions, then dosing accuracy is improved, but the ease of container replacement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is pre-configured with predetermined positions and guiding structures that automatically align containers with the correct fluidic interface connections upon insertion. This preliminary alignment action ensures dosing accuracy is achieved through proper positioning, while the standardized interface design maintains ease of replacement by eliminating complex alignment procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a metering device for a washing machine, comprising a support (1) which receives one or more containers (23, 24, 25) at specified position(s) (3; 26-1, 26-2, 26-3) as required, each container (23, 24, 25) receiving at least one substance (28, 29, 30) and having at least one outlet (23b, 24b, 25b), and comprising a fluidic interface (17) for connecting the outlets (23b, 24b, 25b) of the containers (23, 24, 25) to a device for discharging the respective substance (28, 29, 30) as required. The aim of the invention is to provide a metering device which allows an automated metering process and simultaneously a flexible and particularly user-friendly adaptation to the respective articles to be washed or to the washing program to be carried out. This is achieved in that the fluidic interface (17) has a plurality of outlet connections (20-2, 20-5, 20-8) which are compatible for connecting to the outlets (23b, 24b, 25b) of the received containers (23, 24, 25); the number of outlet connections (20-2, 20-5, 20-8) is equal to or greater than the number of the outlets (23b, 24b, 25b) of the received containers (23, 24, 25); and the outlet connections form at least two groups (20-2, 20-5, 20-8), the outlet connections (20-1, 20-2, 20-3) of a first group (21-1) being arranged at corresponding positions (16) of the outlet connections (20-4, 20-5, 20-6) of a second group (21-2); and the containers (23, 24, 25) are designed and the container outlets (23b, 24b, 25b) are arranged such that when a plurality of containers (23, 24) are being used, a respective outlet (23b, 24b) of each container (23; 24) cooperates with an outlet connection (20-2; 20-5) of a different group (21-1; 21-2).