Washing Machine Additive Dispensing With Flow Meter Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine systems face challenges in accurately dispensing fluid additives like detergents and fabric softeners due to air presence in dispensing systems, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage from excessive or unremoved additives.
Innovation Solution
A washing machine appliance equipped with a Venturi pump, flow meter, and controller that monitors and regulates the flow rate of fluid additives, ensuring precise dispensing by initiating and terminating the flow of liquid water based on measured flow rates and predetermined volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hoses or conduits are used to direct fluid additive from tank to washing machine tub, then fluid additive can be transported, but air within hoses negatively affects measurements of fluid additive dispensed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes air from the dispensing system by providing a vent that allows air to escape from the hose or conduit while fluid additive is being dispensed. This extraction of the harmful element (air) resolves the measurement inaccuracy caused by air presence in the dispensing path.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent acts as an intermediary component between the fluid additive source and the dispensing point. It provides a separate pathway for air to escape, mediating the interaction between fluid flow and air displacement to ensure accurate measurement without requiring complex alternative dispensing mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If excessive volumes of detergent or fabric softener are added to laundry load, then dispensing is simplified, but cleaning efficacy is diminished and machine damage can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms including flow meters that monitor the actual volume of fluid additive being dispensed, and controllers that compare measured volumes against predetermined target volumes. The system provides feedback control by adjusting or terminating dispensing operations to achieve precise dosage, preventing both excessive and insufficient additive application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes dispensing parameters such as flow rate, dispensing duration, and valve positioning based on real-time measurements and predetermined parameters. This allows the system to adapt the dispensing process to achieve accurate volumes regardless of variations in fluid viscosity, pressure, or other operational conditions.
3Reliability
If insufficient volumes of detergent or fabric softener are added to laundry load, then machine operation is safe, but cleaning efficacy is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-determining the optimal volume of fluid additive required for effective cleaning based on load size and type. The controller is programmed with these predetermined parameters before dispensing begins, allowing the system to proactively dispense the correct amount rather than relying on post-dispensing adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow meter and controller provide continuous feedback during dispensing to ensure the predetermined volume is achieved. This feedback mechanism guarantees that sufficient additive is dispensed for effective cleaning while preventing over-dispensing that could cause machine damage or poor cleaning results.
4Device complexity
If fluid additive is dispensed without accurate measurement, then dispensing system is simpler, but additive residue builds up on articles causing graying and roughness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control using flow meters to monitor dispensed volume and controllers to compare actual dispensing against predetermined requirements. This ensures accurate dosing that prevents additive residue buildup on articles, eliminating graying and roughness problems caused by excessive detergent or fabric softener.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical dispensing mechanisms with a controlled system that uses electronic sensors (flow meters), controllers, and automated valve management. This substitution of mechanical simplicity with electronic control enables precise measurement and accurate dosing, preventing harmful residue accumulation on washed articles.
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 accurate and precise dispensing of fluid additives, preventing excessive suds, damage to the machine, and maintaining effective cleaning operations while minimizing additive residue on articles.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring a flow rate of fluid additive with a flow meter
Implementation Method 2
A washing machine appliance includes a Venturi pump
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine appliance and a method for operating a washing machine appliance are provided. The method includes monitoring a flow rate of fluid additive with a flow meter and measuring a volume of fluid additive dispensed after the flow rate of fluid additive substantially decreases. The method can assist with accurately and/or precisely dispensing fluid additive during operating of the washing machine appliance.