Rotating Scoop Dosing Device for Automatic Detergent Tablet Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances, such as dishwashers, require manual detergent dosing, which can lead to incorrect or forgotten detergent amounts, resulting in suboptimal cleaning results.
Innovation Solution
A dosing device and storage cartridge system that automatically dispenses detergent tablets by attaching a scoop and plug mechanism to a storage cartridge, allowing for precise dosing and release of detergent tablets during washing cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual detergent dosing is used, then the user has control over detergent addition, but the user may forget to add detergent or add incorrect amounts leading to suboptimal cleaning results
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automatic dosing where the dosing device autonomously handles detergent dispensing without requiring user intervention. The storage cartridge automatically feeds detergent tablets to the dosing mechanism, which then releases precise amounts at appropriate times during the washing cycle, eliminating the need for manual dosing while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage cartridge is pre-filled with multiple detergent tablets before use. The system performs preliminary preparation by storing predetermined amounts of detergent in advance, allowing the automatic dosing mechanism to operate reliably without requiring the user to manually add detergent before each washing cycle.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a storage cartridge with multiple detergent tablets is used, then multiple washing cycles can be supported, but the mechanism for transporting and releasing individual tablets becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing device utilizes a rotating disc with a scoop that leverages gravitational force and curved geometry to transport detergent tablets. The rotational motion combined with the scoop's shape naturally guides tablets from the storage cartridge through the dosing chamber to the release point, simplifying the transport mechanism while maintaining reliability for multiple washing cycles.
3Reliability
If automatic dosing is implemented, then correct detergent amounts are dosed at correct timings, but the device complexity increases with additional components like scoop and plug mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing device combines multiple functions into integrated components. The plug serves both as a closure for the storage cartridge and as a dosing element that controls tablet release. The rotating disc integrates the scoop, transport path, and release mechanism into a single unified structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining dosing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to operate in a horizontal position where gravitational force naturally assists the dosing process. The scoop and release mechanism are positioned to leverage gravity for tablet transport and release, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators or additional energy input, thereby simplifying the device structure while ensuring reliable dosing.
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
Ensures accurate and convenient detergent dosing for multiple washing cycles without manual intervention, improving cleaning results and reducing the risk of incorrect detergent usage.
Implementation Method 1
The scoop is configured to pick up a detergent tablet from the storage cartridge, lift the detergent tablet to an opening in the scoop and transport the detergent tablet to a receiving chamber formed in the plug when the scoop is turned in a first turning direction about a rotational axis that is perpendicular to a gravitational vector
Implementation Method 2
an inner surface having a first helical indent in at least a portion of the inner surface for conveying the detergent tablets towards the opening when the container is turned about an axis that is perpendicular to the plane spanned by the opening
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a dosing device for dosing a detergent tablet provided by a storage cartridge to which the dosing device is attachable, the dosing device comprising a scoop and a plug, wherein the scoop is configured to pick up a detergent tablet from the storage cartridge, lift the detergent tablet to an opening in the scoop and transport the detergent tablet to a receiving chamber formed in the plug when scoop is turned in a first turning direction about a rotational axis that crosses a gravitational vector, and the plug is configured to release the detergent tablet from the receiving chamber.