Dosing device and system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing devices for automatic washing machines face challenges in accurately dispensing tablets of active ingredients due to issues like moisture-induced swelling or stickiness of powders and jamming, especially in compact machine-dependent designs, which are bulky and prone to manufacturing difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A dosing device with a rotatable wheel and cylindrical housing that maximizes separation between the wheel and inlet/output openings, featuring a metering mechanism with recesses and agitation means to prevent jamming, and a container design that allows for separate dispensing of tablets using gravity and a tube for single-tablet delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact dosing device design is used to reduce size, then space utilization improves, but tablet jamming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved surfaces and rounded geometries in the tablet path, including a curved tablet path guide and rounded edges on the wheel and housing, to facilitate smooth tablet movement through the compact device without jamming
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement within the compact housing, creating a curved three-dimensional tablet path that moves tablets through multiple dimensions rather than simple linear paths, maximizing space utilization while maintaining reliable dispensing
2Measurement precision
If a machine-dependent dosing device is used to achieve accurate control, then dosing precision improves, but device compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the metering mechanism, tablet storage container, and control electronics into a single integrated compact unit that mounts directly on the washing machine, eliminating the need for separate bulky components while maintaining precise control
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device performs multiple functions within a compact form factor: it stores multiple tablets, precisely meters individual tablet dispensing, controls the metering wheel rotation, and monitors tablet levels, all within a single integrated unit
3Measurement precision
If a rotating disc mechanism is used to dispense tablets, then dosing control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating disc is segmented into multiple discrete pockets, each capable of holding and transporting a single tablet, allowing precise control of individual tablet dispensing through simple rotational positioning without complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The metering mechanism uses the weight and geometry of the tablets themselves to control dispensing - tablets naturally settle into the wheel pockets and are released by gravity when the pocket opens at the bottom, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex release mechanisms
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 solution reduces the likelihood of tablet jamming and allows for efficient, compact dispensing of multiple tablets without bulkiness, ensuring accurate and reliable delivery of active ingredients during wash cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a metering mechanism located between the exit port of the container and the outlet, wherein the metering mechanism comprises a wheel which is rotatable between a first position, in which the one or more tablets are receivable from the exit port, and a second position in which the one or more tablets are deliverable to the outlet
Implementation Method 2
a container for storing the plurality of tablets, wherein the container comprises an exit port
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dosing device (10) or system for dispensing a plurality of tablets (1), which each comprise at least one active ingredient for an automatic washing process, into an automatic washing machine, wherein the dosing device or system is for dispensing one or more, but not all, of the plurality of tablets at once into the automatic washing machine, wherein the dosing device or system comprises: a container (12) for storing the plurality of tablets, wherein the container comprises an exit port; an outlet for delivering the one or more tablets from the container into the automatic washing machine; a metering mechanism located between the exit port of the container and the outlet, wherein the metering mechanism comprises a wheel (66) which is rotatable between a first position, in which the one or more tablets are receivable from the exit port, and a second position in which the one or more tablets are deliverable to the outlet.