Self-Cleaning Additive Dispenser for Bulk Washer Dosing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensing devices in washing machines, designed for bulk additive storage, often require regular cleaning to maintain effectiveness due to issues like viscosity changes and coagulation of detergents, leading to reduced performance and user intervention for frequent replenishment.

Innovation Solution

A self-cleaning dispensing device with a compartment that uses a flow regulator and spray device to inject washing fluid, dilute and flush additive residue, and evacuate the mixture, ensuring the compartment remains clean and functional without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the dispensing device is configured as a bulk dispenser to hold enough additive for several loads, then user intervention and frequent replenishment are reduced, but the additive may coagulate or solidify due to viscosity changes, reducing dispenser effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser intervention timeVSAvoiddispenser effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing device performs self-cleaning automatically without user intervention. The system uses a flow regulator to deliver washing fluid to the compartment, and a spray device mounted on the flow regulator to spray the fluid onto interior surfaces, thereby cleaning itself while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The self-cleaning operation is performed preliminarily before additive coagulation or solidification occurs. The system proactively cleans the compartment during the wash cycle, preventing residue buildup that would otherwise reduce dispenser effectiveness over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the dispensing device is configured as a bulk dispenser for multiple loads, then operational continuity is improved, but regular cleaning is required to prevent residue buildup and maintain functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidmaintenance requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing device cleans itself automatically using a flow regulator and spray device that deliver washing fluid to the compartment interior. This eliminates the need for manual user maintenance while preserving operational continuity over extended periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The flow regulator serves dual functions: it delivers washing fluid to the wash zone during normal operation and delivers cleaning fluid to the compartment during self-cleaning. The spray device similarly serves both dispensing and cleaning functions, reducing the need for separate maintenance mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If additives are stored in bulk for multiple loads, then convenience is improved, but viscosity changes and coagulation occur, reducing dispensing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoiddispensing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically cleans the compartment using washing fluid delivered through the flow regulator and sprayed by the spray device, preventing additive coagulation and solidification. This maintains dispensing effectiveness while preserving user convenience for bulk storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The self-cleaning operation is performed preliminarily during the wash cycle before additive degradation becomes severe. By proactively cleaning the compartment, the system prevents viscosity changes and coagulation that would otherwise reduce dispensing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 self-cleaning mechanism maintains the dispensing device's efficiency by preventing residue buildup and reducing the need for frequent user maintenance, ensuring consistent performance over multiple loads without manual cleaning or additive replenishment.

Implementation Method 1

a flow regulator fluidly connecting the fluid supply to the input of the dispensing device and fluidly connecting the outlet of the dispensing device to the wash zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow regulation:

Implementation Method 2

spray device to inject washing fluid, dilute and flush additive residue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 3

dilute and flush additive residue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDilution:

Data Source

PatentUS9127391B2Device for dispensing an additive in an appliance

Publication Date: 2015.09.08 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An appliance has a dispensing device that is configured for self-cleaning. In one embodiment, a flow regulator is fluidly connected to the dispensing device. The flow regulator has a first state in which a washing fluid is dispensed into the dispensing device and a second state in which the washing fluid is evacuated therefrom. To facilitate cleaning, the washing fluid flows through a spray device that is configured to direct the washing fluid onto a peripheral wall of a compartment in which an additive for the dispensing device can be disposed.