Solid Detergent Dispenser Using Water Spray for Automatic Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher detergent dispensing systems require manual addition of detergent before each cleaning cycle and lack consistency in detergent concentration and amount, with liquid detergents posing risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system for dispensing a detergent solution from solid detergent blocks using a dispenser with a detergent chamber, liquid inlet, and liquid level control mechanism, which collects water during washing and rinsing periods to dissolve the detergent and release a consistent solution between cycles, eliminating the need for manual addition and ensuring consistent concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual addition of liquid detergent is used, then detergent can be added to the dishwasher, but consistency in detergent concentration and amount cannot be achieved and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the dishwasher's own sprayed water to automatically dissolve the solid detergent block in the detergent chamber, eliminating the need for manual detergent addition. The water spray during washing and rinsing periods automatically feeds into the detergent chamber, dissolving the detergent and releasing it into the wash water without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid detergent is pre-loaded into the detergent chamber before the cleaning cycle begins. The system prepares the detergent solution in advance by allowing water to dissolve the solid detergent block during the washing period, so the detergent is ready for consistent dispensing during the rinsing period.
2Reliability
If solid detergent blocks are used, then safety risks are reduced and consistency is improved, but automatic dissolution and dispensing mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser mechanism uses the dishwasher's existing water spray system to automatically dissolve and dispense the solid detergent. The water spray during washing and rinsing periods automatically feeds into the detergent chamber, dissolving the detergent block and releasing the solution without requiring complex external dissolution mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent dissolution and dispensing function is extracted as a separate chamber within the dishwasher. The detergent chamber is positioned to receive water spray and automatically separate the detergent dissolution process from the main washing chamber, allowing independent control and consistent dispensing.
3Productivity
If detergent is added before each cleaning cycle, then fresh detergent is used, but time is lost and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The solid detergent is pre-loaded into the detergent chamber before the cleaning cycle begins. The system prepares the detergent solution in advance by allowing water to dissolve the solid detergent block during the washing period, so the detergent is ready for consistent dispensing during the rinsing period without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent dissolution process occurs continuously during the washing and rinsing periods using the water spray already present in the system. The detergent chamber receives water spray throughout these periods, maintaining continuous dissolution and readiness for dispensing without requiring separate manual intervention steps.
4Ease of operation
If liquid detergent is used, then ease of dissolution is achieved, but safety risks and inconsistency in application occur
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent form is changed from liquid to solid block form. This parameter change eliminates the safety risks associated with liquid detergent handling while maintaining effective dissolution through the water spray mechanism. The solid block form provides structural integrity for consistent dosing while still dissolving reliably when exposed to water.
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 system provides a consistent and efficient detergent dispensing process, reducing manual intervention, enhancing safety with solid detergents, and offering sustainability benefits, while being easily retrofittable to various dishwashers.
Implementation Method 1
allow the collected water to flow into the detergent chamber to form the detergent solution by dissolving a portion of the solid detergent
Implementation Method 2
The liquid level control mechanism may be configured to set a liquid height limiting a level of the detergent solution in the detergent chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A system for dispensing a detergent solution from a solid detergent into a dishwasher includes a dispenser that can collect water sprayed into the dishwasher and use the collected water to produce the detergent solution by dissolving a portion of the solid detergent, controlling the amount of the detergent solution produced, and releasing the produced detergent solution between cleaning cycles. The dispenser can perform these functions automatically without being electrically powered.