Retrofittable Sensor Unit for Adaptive Cleaning Agent Dosing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning machines face challenges in delivering the exact dose of cleaning agents, leading to unsatisfactory washing results, excessive energy and water consumption, and environmental impact due to the dependence on various factors such as soiling level, cleaning program, and water hardness.
Innovation Solution
A retrofittable sensor unit that captures measurement variables, determines the current soiling state of items, and communicates with a dosing device to dispense cleaning agents in measured quantities, using sensors like viscosity, turbidity, and mini/microcameras for accurate soiling estimation, allowing flexible control of the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cleaning machines use integrated automatic dosing systems with sensors to control cleaning agent dispensing, then dosing precision and cleaning effectiveness are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a retrofittable sensor unit that can be independently installed on existing cleaning machines, and a dosing device that receives control signals. This segmentation allows the complex sensing and dosing functions to be separated, enabling gradual implementation and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication unit acts as an intermediary between the sensor unit and dosing device, transmitting dosing commands based on soiling state detection. This intermediary layer simplifies the integration process by providing a standardized interface between components.
2Reliability
If cleaning machines dispense larger quantities of cleaning agents to ensure thorough cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption, water usage, and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit continuously monitors the soiling state of articles during the cleaning process and provides feedback to the dosing device. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustment of cleaning agent dispensing, ensuring optimal dosing based on actual soiling levels rather than predetermined fixed doses.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing system transitions from static, predetermined dosing to dynamic, adaptive dosing that responds to real-time soiling conditions. The system can adjust dosing quantities and timing based on monitored soiling state changes throughout the cleaning cycle.
3Device complexity
If cleaning machines use fixed dosing programs regardless of soiling level, then device complexity is reduced, but dosing accuracy and adaptability to different soiling conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit autonomously monitors soiling conditions and automatically generates dosing commands without requiring complex user input or manual adjustment. The system serves itself by detecting soiling states and independently controlling the dosing device, maintaining simplicity while achieving adaptability.
4Measurement precision
If cleaning machines are equipped with multiple sensors and advanced dosing systems from manufacture, then dosing precision is improved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is designed to be installed retroactively on existing cleaning machines rather than being integrated during original manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of a separate, retrofittable module allows existing machines to be upgraded with precision dosing capabilities without requiring complete redesign or expensive original equipment modifications.
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
This solution enables efficient, energy- and water-conserving cleaning by ensuring the right amount of cleaning agents are used, reducing waste and environmental impact while allowing for flexible adjustment of cleaning duration based on soiling levels.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor for measuring the viscosity, turbidity, pollen load, water hardness, dye elution, pH-value or odour
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor for measuring the viscosity, turbidity, pollen load, water hardness, dye elution, pH-value or odour
Data Source
AI summary
A retrofittable sensor unit for controlling a dosing device of a cleaning machine includes an acquisition module having at least one sensor for capturing measurement variables, at least one monitoring unit for determining a current degree of soiling of articles for cleaning on the basis of the captured measurement variables, a communication unit configured to communicate with at least one dosing device, in particular to transmit a dosing command to at least one dosing device depending on the current degree of soiling of the articles for cleaning. The retrofittable sensor unit can be arranged separately from the dosing device.