Rotating Multi-Unit Detergent Dispenser to Reduce Reloading Frequency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers require frequent reloading of single-use detergent dispensers, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A multi-use detergent dispenser system with a carrier that rotates between positions, each holding a single wash cycle's worth of detergent, with doors that open and close to dispense detergent into the wash tub, minimizing user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-use detergent dispenser is used, then the dispenser structure is simple, but the user must reload the dispenser before each wash cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent dispenser is divided into multiple individual detergent units (first detergent unit, second detergent unit, etc.), each capable of holding detergent for one wash cycle. This segmentation allows the system to provide multiple cycles of detergent without requiring frequent reloading, while each unit maintains a relatively simple structure with its own cavity and door.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent carrier is made rotatable, allowing it to dynamically reposition between different detergent units. The carrier driver enables the carrier to rotate to orient different detergent units proximate to the dispensing outlet as needed, transforming a static single-use dispenser into a dynamic multi-use system.
2Loss of time
If a multi-use detergent dispenser with multiple detergent units is implemented, then detergent reloading frequency is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent carrier is designed to rotate between multiple positions, with a carrier driver that automatically orients the appropriate detergent unit proximate to the dispensing outlet. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the system to serve multiple wash cycles without reloading, reducing the time users spend on detergent refilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automatic door operation mechanisms where doors are opened and closed based on the positioning of detergent units. When a detergent unit is oriented proximate to the dispensing outlet, its door automatically opens to allow detergent dispensing, and when moved away, the door closes. This self-service mechanism reduces manual intervention and operational complexity for the user.
3Reliability
If doors for each detergent unit are made movable between open and closed positions, then detergent dispensing control is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A track system is introduced as an intermediary mechanism that receives guides from each door. The track coordinates the movement of multiple doors as the carrier rotates, ensuring that doors open and close at the appropriate times. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall control mechanism by providing a centralized guide system rather than requiring independent complex mechanisms for each door.
Solution Approach 2:
The door mechanisms are designed to operate automatically based on the carrier's position. As the carrier driver rotates the detergent carrier, the doors are passively guided by the track system to open when their corresponding detergent unit is proximate to the dispensing outlet and close when moved away. This self-service door operation improves reliability of detergent containment and dispensing control without requiring additional active control mechanisms for each door.
Data Source
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AI summary
A detergent dispenser (300) may be positioned to dispense detergent into a wash tub (16) of a household appliance, and may include: a detergent carrier (302) with a plurality of detergent units (3041-n), each of the detergent units (3041-n) including one or more walls (308-314) defining a cavity (306) with a dispensing opening (318), and a door (324) movable between an open and closed position; a housing (330) for receiving the detergent carrier (302), the housing (330) including a dispensing outlet (332); a carrier driver (602) for moving the detergent carrier (302) between a plurality of positions, each position orienting one of the dispensing units (3041-n) proximate the dispensing outlet (332), where when one of the dispensing units (3041-n) is proximate the dispensing outlet (332) the door (324) of the one of the plurality of dispensing units (3041-n) is open, otherwise the door (324) is closed.