Additive dispenser for varying the types of additives within a washing machine appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine additive dispensers face challenges in ensuring complete dissolution of additive pods, especially during cold-water cycles, leading to potential damage or staining of articles and wastage of wash additives, particularly when using multiple or different types of pods.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine appliance with an optical sensor-based additive dispenser system that determines pod characteristics and directs water accordingly, ensuring effective dissolution of additive pods by controlling water flow and temperature based on detected pod types and quantities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additive pods are used in cold-water wash cycles, then the washing process can be completed, but the additive pods may not dissolve completely leading to residue accumulation and potential damage to articles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the additive pod using an optical sensor before the wash cycle begins. Based on the detected pod characteristics, the controller pre-configures the water dispensing parameters including temperature and flow rate to ensure optimal dissolution conditions are established before the pod is exposed to water
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts water temperature and flow rate parameters based on the detected additive pod type. The optical sensor identifies pod characteristics and the controller modifies water parameters in real-time during the wash cycle to optimize dissolution while preventing residue accumulation
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple or different types of additive pods are used, then washing versatility is improved, but it becomes difficult to ensure complete dissolution and prevent wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor continuously monitors the additive pod in the dispenser compartment and provides feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts water dispensing parameters based on this feedback to ensure complete dissolution of the specific pod type detected, preventing wastage while accommodating different pod varieties
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor-based detection system and adaptive water dispensing mechanism create a universal platform that can handle multiple types of additive pods. The system automatically adapts its operation based on the detected pod characteristics, providing versatile support for different pod types without requiring separate dispensing mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If an optical sensor-based detection system is implemented, then water flow and temperature can be controlled based on pod characteristics, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor automatically detects and identifies the additive pod characteristics without user intervention. The controller autonomously processes this information and adjusts water dispensing parameters accordingly, making the system self-configuring and eliminating the need for manual setup or user knowledge of complex parameters
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 system ensures complete dissolution of additive pods, preventing residue accumulation and wastage, while allowing for the use of multiple or different types of pods, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the washing process.
Implementation Method 1
receiving an image signal from an optical sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance as provided herein, may include a cabinet, a tub, a fluid additive dispenser, and a controller. The tub may be disposed within the cabinet. The fluid additive dispenser may include a housing, a dispenser drawer, a water supply conduit, a conduit water valve, and an optical sensor. The optical sensor may be mounted to a housing and directed at a pod compartment. The controller may be operably coupled to the fluid additive dispenser and may be configured to initiate a washing operation. The washing operation may include receiving an image signal from the optical sensor, determining a pod characteristic within the pod compartment based on the received image signal, and directing water to the pod compartment based on the determined pod characteristic.