Integrated Washer Dosing Pump Layout to Prevent Leakage and Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing machines face challenges in retaining liquid treatment agents due to the design of dispensing trays, leading to leakage and inefficient dosing, and existing solutions for automatic dosing either occupy additional space or require complex hose connections prone to clogging.
Innovation Solution
A water-bearing household appliance with an automatic dosing system featuring submersible pumps and storage containers integrated within the appliance, allowing for precise control and dosing of liquid treatment agents without external hoses, utilizing the existing space within the appliance and enabling easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If dispenser trays with no back wall are used to allow water to wash the dispenser bowls, then liquid treatment agent can be flushed in with water, but liquid treatment agent leaks out immediately before intended dosing
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is divided into separate functional components: a dispenser tray for water flow and a distinct dosing container with siphon mechanism for liquid treatment agent. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interference - the tray enables water access while the sealed container prevents premature leakage of liquid agent.
Solution Approach 2:
A siphon device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the liquid treatment agent container and the dispensing system. The siphon only activates when water reaches a certain level in the container, serving as a mediator that controls the timing of liquid agent release and prevents premature leakage while enabling automatic dosing.
2Extent of automation
If add-on devices with separate storage containers are placed next to the washing machine, then automatic dosing of liquid treatment agent is achieved, but additional space is occupied and long hoses are prone to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing container is merged with the dispenser tray assembly, integrating the liquid treatment agent storage and dosing mechanism directly into the washing machine's existing dispensing structure. This eliminates the need for external add-on devices and long hoses, reducing complexity while maintaining automatic dosing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing container for liquid treatment agent is nested within or alongside the dispenser tray structure. This nesting arrangement allows the dosing mechanism to be housed within the existing appliance footprint, utilizing available space efficiently without requiring external placement or additional base extensions.
3Area of stationary object
If drawer space is extended to the rear wall to accommodate dosing system, then space is utilized efficiently, but assembly and maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing system is segmented into modular components - the dispenser tray, dosing container, and siphon mechanism - that can be independently accessed and maintained. This modular segmentation allows technicians to service specific components without disassembling the entire drawer structure, maintaining ease of repair while utilizing full drawer space.
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 solution ensures reliable and space-efficient dosing of multiple treatment agents, preventing leakage and clogging issues, while simplifying maintenance and assembly by eliminating the need for external hoses and optimizing the use of available space within the appliance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one delivery pump arranged within the storage container and designed as a submersible pump
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a water-bearing household appliance 1 with a housing 2 and a treatment chamber 4, and an automatic dosing system 20 arranged within the housing 2 and controllable by a control unit 40, wherein the dosing system 20 comprises at least one storage container 24 and at least one delivery pump 30 arranged within the storage container 24. The invention also relates to a method for automatic dosing in such a household appliance 1. The advantage of such a dosing system 20 is that it can be installed in the detergent dispenser of a conventional washing machine in a space-saving manner. This avoids the need for additional, separately installed storage containers.