Washing Machine Additive Pack Dispenser With Fluid-Actuated Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines require manual intervention from consumers to deposit additive packs at specific times during the wash cycle, leading to missed additions and inefficiencies, especially in horizontal axis machines where water must be pumped out to access the compartment.
Innovation Solution
An automatic additive pack dispenser system within the washing machine, featuring a pack receiver biased to store and dispense the additive pack using a fluid actuator, such as a water or air stream, to position the pack into the tub at pre-defined times during the wash cycle, eliminating the need for consumer intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual deposition of additive packs is required, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to missed additions and user error
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to manually load additive packs into the receiver, but then the system automatically dispenses them at the correct time without further user intervention. The fluid stream actuator self-activates to pivot the receiver and release packs at predefined moments in the wash cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuators (motors, linkages) with a fluid stream-based actuation system. Pressurized fluid from the washing machine's existing pump directs a jet against the receiver to pivot it, eliminating the need for separate motorized dispensing mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If automatic dispensing is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid stream actuator serves multiple functions: it acts as the actuation force to pivot the receiver, provides pre-wetting of the additive pack, and utilizes the washing machine's existing water pump and fluid supply system, eliminating the need for separate actuator fluid sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver acts as an intermediary component that bridges user loading and automatic dispensing. It stores multiple additive packs, pivots in response to fluid stream impact, and gravity-feeds packs into the tub, mediating between simple user interaction and complex automatic timing.
3Productivity
If horizontal axis washing machine design is used, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to water pumping requirement for access
Solution Approach 1:
The additive pack dispensing function is extracted from the tub access area and relocated to the dispenser housing above the tub. Users load packs into the receiver by accessing the top of the machine, eliminating the need to open the door or pump water during loading.
Solution Approach 2:
Users pre-load additive packs into the receiver during initial machine access (before the wash cycle begins or during door-open periods). The system then automatically manages dispensing throughout the cycle without requiring repeated user access or water pumping.
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
Ensures consistent and timely addition of additives to the wash cycle without user intervention, improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of missed doses, while allowing for easy loading and pre-wetting of the additive pack for safe integration.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator may include a nozzle that is oriented so as to direct the fluid stream towards the receiver at a pre-defined time to cause the receiver to move to the second dispense position
Implementation Method 2
The receiver is biased to a first position wherein the additive pack is stored and is movable to a second position wherein the additive pack is dispensed by gravity from the receiver into the tub
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine includes a casing, a tub disposed within the casing, and a basket configured for receipt of articles to be washed. An additive pack dispenser is disposed within the casing above the tub and included a pack receiver configured for receipt of an additive pack therein. The receiver is biased to a first position wherein the additive pack is stored and is movable to a second position wherein the additive pack is dispensed by gravity from the receiver into the tub. An actuator is disposed proximate to the receiver and is oriented so as to move the receiver at a defined time to cause the receiver to move to the second dispense position and deposit the additive pack into the tub.