Water-Triggered Detergent Dispenser Rotation for Complete Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detergent dispensing devices in washing machines are bulky and inefficient, with counterweight systems prone to spills and incomplete detergent emptying, especially when dealing with powder detergents that can become waterlogged, leading to operational issues and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A detergent dispensing device that uses a trigger mechanism activated by water accumulation, independent of the detergent quantity, to rotate the detergent container from filling to emptying positions, ensuring reliable dispensing regardless of detergent type or flow rate variations, and reducing the size and complexity of the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a counterweight water accumulation pocket is used to rotate the detergent compartment, then the compartment can be rotated to emptying position, but the counterweight water spills out instantaneously during rotation causing the compartment to return to initial position and the detergent cannot be completely emptied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trigger device as an intermediary mechanism between the water accumulation receptacle and the detergent container. The trigger device is set in motion by water accumulation and independently actuates the detergent container rotation, separating the counterweight function from the rotation execution. This mediator ensures reliable detergent emptying without the compartment position instability caused by instantaneous water spilling.
2Reliability
If the compartment size is increased to provide a separate counterweight water accumulation pocket, then the counterweight effect can be achieved, but the overall device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the counterweight function from the detergent storage compartment by introducing a separate trigger device actuated by water accumulation. This segmentation allows the counterweight effect to be achieved through a small water receptacle that triggers the rotation mechanism, rather than requiring a large integrated compartment for both detergent and counterweight water, thus reducing overall device volume.
3Force
If powder detergent becomes waterlogged, then the detergent becomes heavier and the compartment may no longer turn over even with counterweight water, but increasing counterweight water volume increases spill risk
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger device serves as an intermediary that translates water accumulation into mechanical motion independently of detergent weight variations. When water accumulates in the receptacle, it actuates the trigger device which then rotates the detergent container, ensuring sufficient torque is applied regardless of whether the detergent is powder or liquid and whether it has absorbed water. This mediator mechanism eliminates the need to increase counterweight water volume, thereby preventing spilling.
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 minimizes container volume, ensures complete detergent dispensing, and maintains operational reliability across different detergent types and water flow conditions, enhancing the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of washing machine designs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one trigger device (9), wherein said at least one trigger device is set in motion by means of the quantity of water accumulated in said at least one receptacle (8)
Implementation Method 2
a spring (14) fixed on the one hand to said tilting element (10) and on the other hand to said drive element (12); so as to rotate said at least one detergent container (7) following the displacement of said tilting element (10) by the quantity of water accumulated in said at least one receptacle (8)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A detergent dispensing device (6) of a washing machine comprises: at least one detergent dispenser (7) capable of holding a quantity of detergent, and at least one receptacle (8) capable of holding a quantity of water, wherein said at least one detergent dispenser (7) is rotated upon filling said at least one receptacle (8) with water. Said detergent dispensing device (6) comprises at least one triggering device (9), wherein said at least one triggering device (9) is set in motion by means of the quantity of water accumulated in said at least one receptacle (8) so as to rotate said at least one detergent dispenser (7) independently of the quantity of detergent contained in said at least one detergent dispenser (7). Use is particularly common in washing machines, especially clothes washing machines or dishwashers.