Washing Machine Bulk Detergent Dispensing for Precise Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines lack an efficient system for detergent dispensing, leading to energy wastage, user inconvenience, and inaccurate detergent dosage, as users often forget to refill detergent or add the wrong amount at the wrong time.
Innovation Solution
A bulk dispensing system within the washing machine, comprising a bulk storage tank, a peristaltic pump, and a controller that determines the appropriate amount of detergent to dispense based on factors like water temperature, hardness, load size, and soil level, ensuring timely and accurate detergent release during the wash cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional detergent reservoir is used, then the structure is simple, but the user convenience deteriorates due to frequent refilling and inability to detect detergent level
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detergent storage into a bulk storage tank and a dispenser reservoir, separating the large-capacity storage from the active dispensing mechanism. This allows automatic refilling from the bulk tank to the dispenser, reducing user intervention while maintaining a simple user-facing interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulk storage tank is pre-filled with detergent, and the system automatically manages refilling the dispenser reservoir before detergent is needed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to manually refill the reservoir during normal operation.
2Loss of energy
If detergent is dispensed manually or with basic timing, then the system is simple, but energy wastage occurs when detergent is added at wrong times
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect detergent levels in the reservoir and provides feedback to the controller. The controller then activates the pump to refill the reservoir when needed, creating a closed-loop system that prevents energy wastage by ensuring detergent is available at the correct time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-refilling of the detergent reservoir. The controller automatically detects when the reservoir needs refilling and activates the pump without user intervention, enabling the system to service itself and avoid energy wastage from improper timing.
3Measurement precision
If a bulk storage tank with automatic dispensing is implemented, then detergent dosage precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual detergent measurement and addition with an automated pump mechanism controlled by electronic sensors and a controller. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated systems enables precise dosage control while managing the inherent complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller adjusts the pump operation parameters (such as pump speed, duration, and timing) to achieve precise detergent dosage. By changing and controlling these parameters dynamically based on sensor feedback, the system achieves accurate dosing despite the added complexity of the automated system.
4Loss of time
If frequent refilling of small reservoirs is required, then the system remains simple, but time consumption increases for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the bulk storage tank with the dispenser reservoir through a fluid communication system. The bulk tank serves as a long-term storage while the reservoir is automatically refilled from it, combining the benefits of large-capacity storage with the precision of a controlled dispensing system into a unified automated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulk storage tank continuously supplies detergent to the dispenser reservoir through automatic refilling. This continuous operation eliminates interruptions and time loss associated with manual refilling, as the system maintains detergent availability without requiring user intervention during the washing process.
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
The bulk dispensing system prevents energy wastage, reduces user inconvenience, and ensures precise detergent dosage, allowing for extended detergent use without frequent refills and maintaining optimal washing performance.
Implementation Method 1
A peristaltic pump is operatively coupled to the tube and configured to move fluid from within the first bulk storage tank into the tub through the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A bulk dispensing system for a washing machine is provided. The bulk dispensing system includes at least one bulk storage tank mounted within the washing machine. A tube provides fluid communication between the at least one bulk storage tank and a tub mounted within a cabinet of the washing machine. A pump is operatively coupled to the tube and configured to move fluid from within the at least one bulk storage tank into the tub through the tube. A controller is operatively coupled to the pump and configured to control an amount of fluid moved into the tub.