Washing Machine Detergent Dispensing With Automatic Cycle Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for washing machines require users to manually select and activate the detergent, which can lead to incorrect dosages and improper detergent usage, especially in domestic settings where users lack the expertise to mix individual active substances.
Innovation Solution
A method that automatically selects and delivers the suitable detergent to the washing machine based on pre-defined suitability information for the selected wash cycle, ensuring the right detergent is used for the type of laundry, with a threshold value to prevent damage and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic dispensing systems are used to store and deliver detergent, then the user convenience is improved and manual dosing is eliminated, but the system complexity increases and requires additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system automatically detects which supply container contains suitable detergent for the selected wash cycle and activates dispensing without user intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously making decisions about detergent selection and dispensing timing based on pre-stored suitability information.
Solution Approach 2:
Suitability information is pre-stored in the controller for different treating agents and wash cycles. This preliminary preparation of information allows the system to quickly determine the correct detergent to use without requiring complex real-time analysis or user expertise.
2Reliability
If the user manually selects and activates detergent dispensing, then the system complexity is reduced, but the reliability of correct detergent usage decreases due to potential user errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the status of supply containers and automatically compares the detected detergent type against pre-stored suitability information for the selected wash cycle. This feedback mechanism ensures that only suitable detergent is dispensed, eliminating user errors while maintaining automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the supply containers and the dispensing mechanism. It stores suitability information and uses this information to mediate the selection process, ensuring that the correct detergent is chosen and dispensed at the appropriate time without direct user intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple supply containers with different treating agents are used, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the suitable detergent increases
Solution Approach 1:
Suitability information for multiple different treating agents and wash cycles is pre-stored in the controller. This preliminary preparation of reference data allows the system to handle multiple detergent types without requiring complex real-time detection or analysis, simplifying the detection process while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary that stores and processes suitability information for multiple treating agents. It mediates between the diverse supply containers and the dispensing system, using pre-stored information to automatically determine which detergent is suitable for the selected wash cycle, thereby reducing detection complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If the treating agent is dispensed based on pre-defined suitability information, then the manufacturing precision of detergent selection is improved, but the loss of time for system setup and configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
All suitability information for different treating agents and wash cycles is pre-stored in the controller during system setup. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming configuration during each wash cycle, allowing the system to quickly and accurately determine the correct detergent based on pre-defined criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the selected wash cycle to automatically query pre-stored suitability information and determine the correct detergent. This feedback mechanism enables rapid, accurate detergent selection without requiring manual configuration or time-consuming setup procedures for each wash cycle.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a dispensing system for a washing machine including a suds container for receiving wash liquid and at least one supply container for receiving a treating agent. The method includes selecting and activating a wash or treatment cycle from a plurality of wash or treatment cycles using an input device. The treating agent for delivery to the suds container is selected based on suitability information corresponding to the selected wash or treatment cycle. The treating agent is delivered to the suds container at the start of the activated wash or treatment cycle. The activated wash or treatment cycle is performed using a controller.