Storage container for a metering device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage containers for program-controlled cleaning devices, such as dishwashers, require manual dosing of powdered cleaning agents before each use and lack efficient handling and moisture management, leading to potential clogging and improper dosing.
Innovation Solution
A storage container with a base body designed as a cup, featuring a one-piece injection-molded plastic construction, a radially extending collar for fluid-tight closure, and a dosing unit with a barrier to prevent initial moisture entry, allowing for automated filling and reusable design with a dosing chamber and channel to ensure precise portioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual dosing of powdered cleaning agents is used before each use, then the storage container can be simple in design, but handling efficiency deteriorates and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is pre-filled with powdered cleaning agents in individual compartments before being placed in the dosing device. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual dosing before each use, as the pre-portioned compartments are automatically dispensed during the washing program, thereby improving handling efficiency and saving time.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device automatically dispenses the cleaning agents from the storage container without requiring manual intervention. The system uses the washing program parameters to control the dosing process, allowing the device to serve itself by automatically transferring the pre-measured portions from the storage container to the wash chamber at the appropriate times.
2Productivity
If the storage container is designed for automated filling, then filling time is reduced, but the container structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into multiple separate compartments, each designed to hold a specific amount of powdered cleaning agent for a particular washing program. This segmentation allows for automated filling of individual compartments rather than requiring complex automated distribution mechanisms for a single large container, thus achieving high filling speed while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design uses standardized compartment sizes and shapes that can be efficiently filled by automated machinery. The geometric parameters of the compartments are optimized for automated filling operations, allowing rapid filling while maintaining a simple overall container structure that integrates well with the dosing device.
3Ease of operation
If the storage container allows moisture entry, then access to cleaning agent is improved, but clogging occurs due to moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container features selective permeability with moisture-resistant materials in areas where moisture contact would cause clogging, while maintaining controlled access points for cleaning agent dispensing. The compartment design includes localized moisture barriers at critical areas such as the dosing openings and sealing interfaces, allowing cleaning agent access while preventing moisture ingress that would lead to clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container is designed as a disposable component that is pre-filled and sealed. After use, the entire container is discarded rather than cleaned and reused. This approach eliminates the risk of clogging from moisture during storage and transport, while ensuring reliable operation during the intended use period. The simple sealed structure requires no complex moisture protection mechanisms.
4Ease of manufacture
If the storage container is designed as disposable, then manufacturing costs are minimized, but reusability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is designed as a disposable component with a simple structure that can be manufactured cost-effectively using standard plastic molding techniques. The container is pre-filled with cleaning agent and sealed, then disposed of after use. This approach minimizes manufacturing costs by avoiding complex features needed for reusability such as removable lids, cleaning ports, or durable sealing mechanisms, while ensuring reliable single-use performance.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to a reservoir for arrangement in a dosing device of a program-controlled cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher, with a base body (12) providing a volume space (11), the volume space (11) being of a size suitable for storing a quantity of powdered cleaning agent which is sufficient for carrying out a plurality of dishwashing programs, the base body (12) having a base part (14) and a peripheral side wall (15) formed in one piece therewith, the side wall (15) opposite the base part (14) having a a collar (16) which extends radially outwards from the side wall (15).