Multi-Unit Detergent Dispenser for Sequential Automatic Dispensing

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashers require frequent reloading of single-use detergent dispensers, which is inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A multi-use detergent dispenser system with a detergent carrier containing multiple units, each with a movable door and a housing that positions units proximate to a dispensing outlet, allowing for sequential dispensing without user intervention, utilizing a carrier driver to rotate or move units between positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single-use detergent dispenser is used, then the dispenser structure is simple, but the user must reload detergent before each wash cycle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent reloading frequencyVSAvoiddispenser structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent supply is segmented into multiple individual detergent units (first detergent unit, second detergent unit, etc.) arranged in a carrier. Each unit can be independently dispensed, allowing the system to provide detergent for multiple wash cycles without requiring user reloading. The carrier itself is segmented into multiple positions to hold each unit separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dispenser employs a movable carrier that can be rotated or translated to different positions by a carrier driver. This dynamic movement allows different detergent units to be sequentially positioned at the dispensing outlet. The door mechanism also dynamically opens and closes to control detergent release, enabling automatic multi-cycle operation without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of moving object

If a multi-use detergent dispenser with multiple units is implemented, then detergent supply duration is extended, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent supply durationVSAvoiddispenser structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detergent supply is segmented into multiple individual detergent units (first detergent unit, second detergent unit, etc.) arranged in a carrier. Each unit can be independently dispensed, allowing the system to provide detergent for multiple wash cycles without requiring user reloading. The carrier itself is segmented into multiple positions to hold each unit separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dispenser employs a movable carrier that can be rotated or translated to different positions by a carrier driver. This dynamic movement allows different detergent units to be sequentially positioned at the dispensing outlet. The door mechanism also dynamically opens and closes to control detergent release, enabling automatic multi-cycle operation without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Extent of automation

If sequential automatic dispensing is implemented, then user intervention is reduced, but the control mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic detergent dispensingVSAvoidcontrol mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser system is configured to automatically select and dispense detergent units without user intervention. The carrier driver automatically positions the appropriate detergent unit at the dispensing outlet, and the door mechanism automatically opens to release detergent. The system serves itself by managing the entire dispensing sequence autonomously based on wash cycle requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple detergent units are pre-loaded into the carrier in advance, arranged in positions corresponding to different wash cycles. This preliminary arrangement allows the system to automatically retrieve and dispense the correct detergent unit at the appropriate time without requiring user loading or selection during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11019982B2Multiple use detergent dispenser

Publication Date: 2021.06.01 MIDEA GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

A detergent dispenser may be positioned to dispense detergent into a wash tub of a household appliance, and may include: a detergent carrier with a plurality of detergent units, each of the detergent units including one or more walls defining a cavity with a dispensing opening, and a door movable between an open and closed position; a housing for receiving the detergent carrier, the housing including a dispensing outlet; a carrier driver for moving the detergent carrier between a plurality of positions, each position orienting one of the dispensing units proximate the dispensing outlet, where when one of the dispensing units is proximate the dispensing outlet the door of the one of the plurality of dispensing units is open, otherwise the door is closed.