Wash Aid Dispensing Control Using Refractive Index Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automatic cleaning appliances face dispensing errors due to the reliance on users to accurately measure and dispense higher-concentration wash aids, leading to issues like excessive sudsing and fabric damage, as current systems are designed for standard detergent concentrations.

Innovation Solution

A method that includes a refractive index sensor to automatically determine the concentration of the wash aid in a bulk dispenser, calculating the required volume, and dispensing it accurately during a selected cycle, ensuring optimal cleaning without excess detergent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If higher-concentration wash aid is used, then smaller quantity is required for same cleaning effectiveness, but dispensing errors occur when users manually measure and dispense

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantity of wash aidVSAvoiddispensing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the concentration of wash aid in the dispenser and calculates the required volume to be dispensed, eliminating the need for user measurement and manual dispensing decisions. The controller autonomously controls the dispensing valve to achieve accurate dosing based on sensed concentration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A concentration sensor (refractive index sensor) continuously monitors the wash aid concentration in the dispenser and provides feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to adjust the dispensing volume, ensuring accurate dosing regardless of concentration variations or user filling errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If too large quantity of high-concentration detergent is dispensed, then excessive sudsing occurs and fabrics can be damaged, but conventional systems cannot detect concentration variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexcessive sudsing and fabric damageVSAvoiddetection of detergent concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual user judgment and mechanical measurement with an optical sensing system. A refractive index sensor uses light refraction principles to automatically detect detergent concentration, converting an undetectable parameter (concentration) into a measurable signal that the controller can use to prevent harmful effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The concentration sensor acts as an intermediary between the wash aid in the dispenser and the control system. It translates chemical concentration information into electrical signals that enable the controller to make informed dispensing decisions, preventing excessive sudsing and fabric damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional dispensing systems are designed for standard concentration, then they work for 1x detergent, but they cannot adapt to higher concentrations without user intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different detergent concentrationsVSAvoiduser intervention required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static dispensing system (fixed for standard concentration) to a dynamic system that automatically adapts to varying detergent concentrations. The controller modifies dispensing parameters in real-time based on concentration sensor feedback, enabling the system to handle 1x, 2x, 3x, or other concentrations without user reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically changes the dispensing volume parameter based on detected detergent concentration. When higher concentration is detected, the controller reduces the dispensing volume accordingly, and vice versa. This automatic parameter adjustment eliminates the need for user intervention while maintaining optimal dosing across different concentration types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides precise control over the wash aid dispensing, minimizing errors and maintaining effective cleaning performance while preventing damage from excessive sudsing or inadequate detergent use.

Implementation Method 1

A concentration sensor, such as a refractive index sensor, can be used to determine the concentration of detergent in the dispenser.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS8266748B2Apparatus and method for controlling bulk dispensing of wash aid by sensing wash aid concentration

Publication Date: 2012.09.18 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

An automatic treatment machine includes a treatment chamber, a bulk treatment aid dispenser fluidly coupled with the treatment chamber, and optionally a water supply fluidly coupled with at least one of the dispenser and the treatment chamber. A method for dispensing a treatment aid from the bulk treatment aid dispenser into the automatic treatment machine in accordance with a selected treatment cycle includes selecting a treatment cycle, determining a concentration of the treatment aid, determining a volume of the treatment aid to be dispensed based upon the determined concentration, dispensing the determined volume of the treatment aid from the bulk treatment aid dispenser, and initiating the selected treatment cycle.