Multi-Chamber Detergent Dosing for Incompatible Wash Compositions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic dishwashers can only use one detergent composition per wash cycle, leading to a trade-off between effective cleaning of enzyme-sensitive soils and hard-to-remove stains, as enzymatic and hypohalite-based detergents are incompatible, forcing consumers to choose between performance on one type of stain at the expense of the other.
Innovation Solution
A multistage automatic washing machine system with a device that includes multiple chambers for different treating compositions, activated by sensors to optimize dosing based on wash conditions, allowing for the independent dispensing of enzymatic and hypohalite detergents and rinse aids at various points in the wash cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only one detergent composition is used per wash cycle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning performance on different types of stains deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single detergent dosing system into multiple independent chambers, each containing different detergent compositions (enzymatic and hypohalite). This segmentation allows each detergent type to be dosed separately at appropriate times during the wash cycle, preventing incompatibility issues while maintaining comprehensive cleaning performance across different stain types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-filling multiple chambers with different detergent compositions before the wash cycle begins. The control system is pre-programmed with the wash schedule that determines when each chamber should dose its contents, ensuring that enzymatic and hypohalite detergents are never mixed incompatibly while maximizing cleaning effectiveness.
2Productivity
If multiple detergent compositions are dosed simultaneously, then the cleaning performance on different stains is improved, but the incompatibility between enzymes and hypohalite causes harmful chemical reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent physically segments incompatible detergent compositions into separate chambers, preventing them from mixing. The system controls each chamber independently, dosing enzymatic and hypohalite detergents at different times during the wash cycle when water is bled from the system, thereby eliminating harmful chemical reactions while maintaining comprehensive cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by dosing different detergent compositions at specific intervals during the wash cycle. The control system monitors water volume and triggers dosing events periodically when conditions are appropriate, ensuring that incompatible detergents are dosed separately rather than simultaneously, thus preventing chemical incompatibility while achieving thorough cleaning.
3Device complexity
If the system responds slowly to wash liquor conditions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the dosing accuracy and timing deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms using sensors that continuously monitor wash liquor conditions such as water volume, temperature, and potentially stain type. This feedback information is fed back to the control system, which adjusts the dosing timing and quantity of different detergent compositions in real-time, thereby achieving high dosing accuracy without excessive system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service principles by using simple sensors to automatically detect wash conditions and trigger appropriate dosing actions without complex intervention. The control system autonomously manages the multi-chamber dosing schedule based on real-time feedback, reducing the need for complex external control while maintaining precise dosing accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of dispensing a plurality of treating compositions into a multistage automatic washing machine, as well as a dispensing device comprising an associated reservoir for collection of wash liquor and at least two chambers containing a treating composition. Said chambers are activated in response to an input from a sensor.