Multi-Compartment Detergent Container for Stable Dishwasher Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashing containers are limited to single compartment designs, making it difficult to incorporate incompatible ingredients and are not compatible with dishwashers lacking conventional cutlery baskets, which are increasingly common, especially those with horizontal cutlery trays.
Innovation Solution
A multi-compartment container with water-soluble compartments arranged in non-superposed relationships, allowing for different detergent formulations in each compartment to be released at specific times during the wash cycle, and designed to fit various orientations within a dishwasher.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single compartment container is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accommodate incompatible ingredients is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple compartments (at least three) that are arranged in a non-superposed relationship. Each compartment can hold different detergent formulations or incompatible ingredients separately, allowing them to be released at different times during the washing cycle. This segmentation enables the accommodation of incompatible ingredients without requiring a complex multi-container system.
2Volume of moving object
If compartments are arranged in a superposed relationship, then the container volume is reduced, but the placement stability in dishwashers without conventional cutlery baskets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compartments are arranged in a non-superposed relationship, meaning they are positioned side-by-side or in a planar configuration rather than stacked vertically. This dimensional arrangement increases the container's footprint stability while maintaining a compact overall volume, enabling secure placement in dishwashers with horizontal cutlery trays or alternative storage locations.
3Duration of action of moving object
If multiple compartments are included, then the ability to provide time and temperature dependent release is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into multiple compartments with individual water-soluble barriers for each. These barriers can be designed with different thicknesses, compositions, or solubility characteristics to enable time-dependent and temperature-dependent release of different detergent formulations. The segmentation allows for controlled release timing without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a barrier between consumer and active ingredients is provided, then the safety is improved, but the ease of filling the container deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed as a disposable unit with pre-formed water-soluble barriers and compartments. The barriers are already in place during manufacturing, providing immediate protection against consumer exposure to active ingredients. The entire container including barriers is discarded after use, eliminating the need for complex filling operations or reusable barrier components.
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
Enables the use of multiple incompatible detergent formulations in a single container, providing greater flexibility in placement and reducing the risk of exposure to active ingredients, while ensuring secure operation within dishwashers with varying tray configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The container comprises a plurality of water soluble compartments which dissolve in use to allow the contents of the compartments to be released
Implementation Method 2
dispersion commonly triggered by heat causing melting of the closure material, typically a paraffin wax
Data Source
AI summary
A container having a plurality of compartments wherein at least one compartment comprises a solid detergent composition and at least one compartment comprises a detergent composition which is in the form of a liquid or a gel and wherein adjacent compartments are arranged in a non-superposed or non-superposable relationship.