Viscosity-Sensing Metering for Precise Dosing of Viscous Liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances lack precision in dosing viscous liquids due to variations in viscosity that affect the accuracy of liquid dispensing, especially considering temperature and aging factors.
Innovation Solution
A household appliance with a dosing system featuring a reservoir, a movable closing body, an actuating device, and detection means to calculate viscosity based on the closing body's position over time, utilizing a measuring channel with a constant cross section and magnetic forces for precise viscosity measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple time-controlled dosing system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the dosing precision deteriorates due to viscosity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical viscosity measurement methods with an electromagnetic measurement system. An electromagnet serves as both the actuating device for the closing body and the detection device for measuring viscosity, eliminating the need for separate mechanical sensors and reducing overall system complexity while improving dosing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet performs multiple functions: it acts as the actuating device to move the closing body, the detection device to measure viscosity through impedance changes, and the positioning system tracks the closing body position. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while achieving both simple device structure and high dosing precision
2Ease of operation
If an electromagnet is used for actuating the closing body, then contactless actuation is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet is designed to perform both actuation and detection functions. During actuation, the impedance of the electromagnet changes based on the position of the closing body, which directly reflects the viscosity of the liquid. This eliminates the need for separate detection components, achieving contactless actuation without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the impedance of the electromagnet during the actuation process. The impedance changes provide real-time feedback about the closing body position and liquid viscosity, allowing the control system to adjust the dosing parameters dynamically. This feedback mechanism is integrated into the actuation process itself, avoiding additional complex detection systems
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 solution enables precise metering of viscous liquids by accounting for viscosity variations, improving dosing accuracy and efficiency in household appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating device comprises an electromagnet for moving the closing body by means of a magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
the detection device is formed by an impedance detection device for detecting an impedance of the electromagnet
Implementation Method 3
the measurement channel is inclined relative to an underside of the household appliance. This achieves the technical advantage, for example, that the effect of gravity can be utilized when the closing body is moved
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3E
AI summary
The present invention relates to a household appliance comprising a metering system, which comprises a supply container (101) for a viscous liquid (103) with an outlet (105) for discharging the liquid (103) and a movable closing body (107) for closing the outlet (1, 5), in which the metering system comprises an actuation device (109) for exerting a force on the movable closing body (107), a detection device (111) for detecting a position of the movable closing body over time and a calculation device for calculating the viscosity of the viscous liquid (103) on the basis of the position of the movable closing body (107) over time.