Roller-Based Additive Delivery Assembly for Precise Dosage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional additive delivery assemblies for consumer appliances lack control over the amount of additive delivered to the chamber, often resulting in either too little or too much additive being introduced, which is inconvenient for consumers.
Innovation Solution
An additive delivery assembly featuring a roller that rotates from a submerged position within a tank to an exposed position within the appliance's chamber, utilizing airflow to precisely deliver the additive, with a method that includes determining the rotational distance and speed based on the additive's fluid level and user requests to ensure accurate delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional additive delivery assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but the control over additive delivery amount is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The roller is made rotatable about an axis, transitioning from a static to a dynamic component. By controlling the rotation angle and speed of the roller, the system can precisely regulate the amount of additive transferred from the tank to the chamber, achieving accurate delivery control through dynamic adjustment rather than complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls additive delivery by changing parameters such as the roller's rotation angle, rotation speed, and position. These parameter variations allow precise control over the surface area of the roller exposed to additive and the duration of exposure, thereby controlling the amount of additive delivered without increasing structural complexity
2Reliability
If conventional additive delivery assemblies are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the additive delivery amount is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors to detect the roller's position, rotation speed, and the amount of additive delivered. This feedback information is used by a controller to adjust the roller's rotation parameters in real-time, ensuring consistent and reliable additive delivery while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical dosage control mechanisms with a combination of roller rotation control and airflow. The controlled rotation of the roller combined with airflow across its surface provides consistent additive delivery through a simpler manufacturing process compared to traditional mechanical metering systems
3Quantity of substance
If more additive is delivered to ensure sufficient amount, then the additive level in chamber is adequate, but the waste of additive increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of delivering a fixed large amount of additive, the system uses partial action by controlling the roller to rotate only the necessary angle and speed required to transfer the precise amount of additive needed. This prevents excessive additive delivery and waste while ensuring sufficient additive levels in the chamber
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the current additive level in the chamber and calculating the exact amount needed before initiating roller rotation. This preliminary assessment allows the roller to deliver only the required amount of additive, preventing both deficiency and waste
4Loss of substance
If less additive is delivered to reduce waste, then the additive waste decreases, but the additive level in chamber becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism continuously monitors the additive level in the chamber and adjusts the roller's rotation parameters accordingly. This ensures that the minimum necessary amount of additive is delivered to maintain adequate levels while minimizing waste, preventing both deficiency and excessive delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic control of roller rotation allows the system to adapt the additive delivery amount to the actual needs of the chamber. By adjusting rotation speed and angle in real-time, the system delivers the precise amount needed without waste, ensuring sufficient additive levels are maintained
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 provides precise control over the amount of additive delivered, ensuring consistent and satisfactory levels within the appliance chamber, enhancing user convenience and appliance performance.
Implementation Method 1
When the roller is rotated about the axis of rotation from the first position to the second position, the additive disposed on the surface of the roller at the reference point is exposed to the airflow flowing in the chamber of the appliance
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance that includes an additive delivery assembly is provided. The additive delivery assembly includes features that deliver a controlled amount of additive to a chamber of an appliance. Methods for delivering an additive to a chamber of an appliance are also provided.