System for laundry detergent delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry appliances lack an efficient and controlled system for dispensing consumables like detergent during wash cycles, leading to inconsistent mixing and potential under or overuse of chemicals.
Innovation Solution
A self-actuating pump within a cartridge, combined with a mixing chamber and fluid dispenser, ensures precise dosing of consumables into a mixing chamber, where they are mixed with a base fluid, such as water, to form a consistent laundry solution, with the pump actuated by an electrical current and controlled by the appliance's circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a self-actuating pump is used for dispensing consumables, then dosing precision and consistency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is configured as self-actuating, meaning it automatically dispenses the consumable without requiring external mechanical actuation. The pump includes an actuator that is selectively actuated by the appliance controller to dispense precise doses of detergent, bleach, or other consumables directly into the mixing chamber, eliminating the need for complex manual dosing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical dispensing mechanisms with an electrically actuated pump system. The pump is selectively actuated by the appliance controller through electrical signals, substituting complex mechanical linkages, timers, and manual operations with a controlled electrical system that provides more precise and reliable dosing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If consumables are dispensed directly into the mixing chamber, then mixing consistency is improved, but risk of under or overuse of chemicals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a cartridge interface that communicates between the cartridge and the appliance. This interface allows the appliance controller to receive information about the consumable type and quantity, and to send actuation signals to the pump. The feedback mechanism ensures that the correct amount of each consumable is dispensed, preventing under or overuse while maintaining consistent mixing in the mixing chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The consumables are pre-loaded into cartridges that are inserted into the appliance before the wash cycle begins. The pump system is pre-programmed with dosing parameters for different consumable types. When the cycle starts, the pump automatically dispenses the predetermined correct amounts of each consumable directly into the mixing chamber, ensuring proper chemical usage control and consistent mixing without requiring real-time adjustments during the cycle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cartridges are selectively received in the compartment, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and cartridge interface requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compartment is designed to selectively receive multiple different types of cartridges containing various consumables such as detergent, bleach, fabric softener, and other laundry additives. The cartridge interface is designed with universal communication capabilities that can identify and accommodate different cartridge types, allowing the single appliance to handle multiple consumable varieties through a standardized interface design.
4Measurement precision
If a fluid dispenser is positioned upstream of the pump, then fluid delivery control is improved, but system complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid dispenser is positioned upstream of the pump in the fluid delivery path, meaning it dispenses the base fluid (water or other solvent) into the mixing chamber before the pump dispenses the concentrated consumable. This preliminary action ensures that the base fluid is already in the mixing chamber to receive and dilute the consumable, improving control over the final solution concentration and reducing the risk of over-concentrated mixes.
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
This system provides consistent and controlled dispensing of consumables, ensuring proper mixing and usage throughout the wash cycle, optimizing laundry performance and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
The self-actuating pump is contained within the cartridge. The self-actuating pump operates to dispense a consumable from an interior of the cartridge... The cartridge interface delivers an actuating electrical current to the self-actuating pump
Implementation Method 2
The fluid dispenser dispenses a base fluid into the mixing chamber. The fluid dispenser is upstream of the self-actuating pump and the base fluid carries the dispensed portion to a processing chamber
Implementation Method 3
The mixing chamber receives a dispensed portion of the consumable... ensures precise dosing of consumables into a mixing chamber, where they are mixed with a base fluid, such as water, to form a consistent laundry solution
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A laundry appliance (10) includes a compartment (12) defined within a cabinet (52). A cartridge (14) is selectively received within the compartment (12). The cartridge (14) includes a self-actuating pump (30) for dispensing a consumable (24) from an interior (56) of the cartridge (14). A mixing chamber (18) is positioned under the self-actuating pump (30). The mixing chamber (18) receives a dispensed portion (58) of the consumable (24). A fluid dispenser (20) dispenses a base fluid (22) into the mixing chamber (18). The fluid dispenser (20) is upstream of the self-actuating pump (30) and the base fluid (22) carries the dispensed portion (58) to a processing chamber (48) contained within the cabinet (52).