Retrofittable bulk dispensing system for household appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household cleaning appliances lack a smart, retrofittable solution to regulate and monitor operating parameters such as water flow, power consumption, and treating chemistry, which can vary across different makes and models, leading to inefficiencies and potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit auxiliary device that connects to household appliances via water and power lines, using flow meters, power consumption monitors, and a device controller to learn and adapt to pre-programmed cycles, distributing resources like hot and cold water, detergent, and power, while monitoring and adjusting operations to detect aberrations and improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a smart retrofittable device is added to regulate and monitor operating parameters, then appliance performance and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retrofit auxiliary device is designed to work with multiple different makes and models of household cleaning appliances through universal water and power line connections. It performs multiple functions including monitoring water flow, monitoring power consumption, detecting cycle aberrations, and providing real-time feedback, thereby improving appliance reliability without requiring appliance-specific customization.
2Productivity
If real-time monitoring and learning cycles are implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device controller receives real-time input from water flow meters and power consumption monitors during appliance operation. It learns the pre-programmed cycles by analyzing this data and detects aberrations, providing feedback that optimizes operational efficiency. The system balances energy consumption by only actively processing and learning during appliance operation cycles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device adapts to different pre-programmed cycles, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device controller automatically learns the pre-programmed cycles of operation by receiving input data from flow meters and power consumption monitors during normal appliance operation. The system self-adapts to different makes and models of appliances without requiring manual programming or configuration, thereby improving adaptability while keeping the user interface simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A retrofit auxiliary laundry device for supporting laundry operations in various makes and models of household appliances is described wherein the device can monitor appliance health, regulate appliance function, and send the user useful data.