Multi-Nozzle Fluid Additive Dispenser to Reduce Residue and Turbulence

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machine dispensers fail to evenly distribute wash liquid, leading to incomplete coverage of fluid additives and unwanted turbulence, resulting in residue accumulation.

Innovation Solution

A unitary fluid additive dispenser with a mixing bowl, inlet conduit, and multiple nozzles, where each nozzle is in fluid communication with the conduit and positioned to direct a flow into the mixing chamber, ensuring thorough coverage and reducing residue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a concentrated flow of wash liquid is provided from a single inlet area, then the fluid additive can be transported to the tub, but the wash liquid does not reach all fluid additives in the dispenser cup, resulting in incomplete coverage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid additive transport efficiencyVSAvoidcoverage area in dispenser cup

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The single inlet flow is segmented into multiple nozzle streams that are distributed across different areas of the dispenser cup, ensuring comprehensive coverage of fluid additives while maintaining transport efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If a concentrated flow is used to transport fluid additive, then the additive can be moved to the tub, but unwanted turbulence is caused in the dispenser cup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid additive transport efficiencyVSAvoidturbulence and foam

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The concentrated flow is divided into multiple smaller nozzle streams, reducing turbulence intensity while maintaining overall transport efficiency and preventing excessive foam generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different nozzle streams are directed at different locations within the dispenser cup, creating localized gentle flows that avoid generating turbulence and foam while still achieving effective additive transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If concentrated flow is used, then fluid additive transport is achieved, but residue accumulates in the dispenser cup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid additive transport efficiencyVSAvoidfluid additive residue

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The flow distribution system segments the wash liquid into multiple streams that reach all areas of the dispenser cup, preventing residue accumulation by ensuring complete fluid coverage during the wash cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The dispenser effectively directs fluid to cover the entire area, minimizing residue and improving the distribution of fluid additives, enhancing cleaning efficiency and reducing foam and turbulence.

Implementation Method 1

Each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles is positioned and oriented for directing a flow of fluid from the inlet conduit into a mixing chamber of the mixing bowl

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS9677214B2Fluid additive dispenser for a washing machine appliance

Publication Date: 2017.06.13 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A unitary fluid additive dispenser includes a mixing bowl, an inlet conduit and a plurality of nozzles. The inlet conduit and the plurality of nozzles are mounted to the mixing bowl. Each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles is in fluid communication with the inlet conduit and is positioned and oriented for directing a flow of fluid from the inlet conduit into a mixing chamber of the mixing bowl. A related method for forming a unitary fluid additive dispenser is also provided.