Patent Publication Number: US-2021164149-A1

Title: System for laundry detergent delivery

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/942,839, filed on Dec. 3, 2019, entitled SYSTEM FOR LAUNDRY DETERGENT DELIVERY, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DEVICE 
     The device is in the field of laundry appliances, and more specifically, a washing machine having a detergent dispensing system. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a compartment defined within a cabinet. A cartridge is selectively received within the compartment. The cartridge includes a self-actuating pump for dispensing a consumable from an interior of the cartridge. A mixing chamber is positioned under the self-actuating pump. The mixing chamber receives a dispensed portion of the consumable. A fluid dispenser dispenses a base fluid into the mixing chamber. The fluid dispenser is upstream of the self-actuating pump and the base fluid carries the dispensed portion to a processing chamber contained within the cabinet. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dispensing assembly for a laundry appliance includes a cartridge having a cartridge connector and that is selectively received within a compartment having a machine connector. A self-actuating pump is contained within the cartridge. The self-actuating pump operates to dispense a consumable from an interior of the cartridge. A mixing chamber is positioned under the self-actuating pump. The mixing chamber receives a dispensed portion of the consumable. A fluid dispenser dispenses a base fluid into the mixing chamber. The fluid dispenser is upstream of the self-actuating pump. A cartridge interface is defined between the cartridge connector and the machine connector. The cartridge interface delivers an actuating electrical current to the self-actuating pump. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a dispensing assembly for a laundry appliance includes a plurality of cartridges that are selectively received within a compartment having corresponding machine connectors. Each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges includes a self-actuating pump, cartridge circuitry and a cartridge connector in communication with the self-actuating pump and the cartridge circuitry. Each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges contains a respective consumable. A mixing chamber is positioned under the plurality of cartridges. The mixing chamber receives a dispensed portion of each respective consumable from the plurality of cartridges. A fluid dispenser dispenses a base fluid into the mixing chamber. The fluid dispenser is upstream of the self-actuating pumps of the plurality of cartridges. A cartridge interface is defined between each cartridge connector of the plurality of cartridges and corresponding machine connectors of the compartment. The cartridge interface delivers an actuating electrical current to each of the self-actuating pumps. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a laundry appliance incorporating an aspect of the detergent delivery system; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an aspect of a mixing chamber of the laundry appliance; 
         FIG. 3A  is a block diagram illustrating an aspect of a cartridge interface of the detergent delivery system; 
         FIG. 3B  is a block diagram illustrating an aspect of a cartridge interface of the detergent delivery system; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of an electrical communication system of the laundry appliance; and 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram for sending a purchase request and/or user alert. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a laundry consumable delivery system that includes a self-actuating pump positioned within a cartridge containing the consumable. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , reference numeral  10  generally refers to a laundry appliance such as a washer, dryer, combination washer/dryer and other similar laundry-treating devices. The laundry appliance  10  includes a compartment  12  positioned within a cabinet  52  and configured to receive at least one cartridge  14  and typically a plurality of cartridges  14 . Each cartridge  14  contains bulk amounts of a corresponding consumable  24 . The compartment  12  includes a corresponding plurality of slots  54  for receiving the various cartridges  14 . The compartment  12  is positioned proximate the processing chamber  48 , such as a tub or a rotating drum, for receiving one or more articles to be washed. In various aspects, the consumable  24  is dispensed from an interior  56  of the cartridge  14  and into a base fluid  22 , such as water, to form a laundry solution  26 . In some embodiments, the consumable  24  is a premixed solution. The consumable can be any one or more of various laundry chemistries that can include, but are not limited to, detergent, bleach, fabric softener, specialty detergent, combinations thereof and other similar products relates to the cleaning, conditioning or processing of the one or more articles. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-2 , the laundry appliance  10  typically includes one or more user interface controls  16  for selecting a wash cycle. The laundry appliance  10  further includes a mixing chamber  18 . Based on the selected laundry cycle, a dispensing assembly of the laundry appliance  10  dispenses the base fluid  22  into the mixing chamber  18  through a fluid dispenser  20 . In certain aspects, the fluid dispenser  20  is configured to dispense the base fluid  22  at a variable and/or predetermined flow rate. As the base fluid  22  is dispensed, the laundry appliance  10 , typically via machine circuitry  50  or other similar controller  72 , concurrently delivers a command to at least one of the cartridges  14  to actuate a pump  30  to dispense a desired amount of consumable  24 , or amounts of various consumables  24 , into the mixing chamber  18  to define a dispensed portion  58  of the consumable  24  or consumables  24 . 
     In some aspects, the dispensed portion  58  of the consumable  24  is dispensed at a desired and/or known flow rate so that the consumable  24  can be dispensed in dosed amounts  60  over an extended period of time, such several seconds, a minute or over several minutes, thereby providing the dispensed portion  58  of the consumable  24  into the mixing chamber  18 . This extended dosing  62  of the consumable  24  over a predetermined period of time allows for proper mixing of the consumable  24  with the base fluid  22 . Extended dosing  62  also ensures that the consumable  24  is well mixed or otherwise dispensed throughout the laundry at the beginning of the laundry cycle. By way of example and not limitation, the self-actuating pump  30  may include a dosing rate of approximately 6 mL per minute (“mL/min”). If a particular laundry cycle requires 30 milliliters (“mL”) of consumable  24 , it is expected that the extended period of time for completing the extended dosing  62  will be approximately five minutes, during which the self-actuating pump  30  is activated. It is also contemplated that the extended dosing  62  can occur during a fill stage of a laundry cycle. In this fill stage, the base fluid  22  is dispensed into the processing chamber  48  of the appliance  10 . The extended dosing  62  may occur over at least a portion of the fill stage or over the entire course of the fill stage. In these aspects of the device, the extended dosing  62  dispenses small dosed amounts  60  of the consumable  24  into the mixing chamber  18  and the base fluid  22  combines with and carries the consumable to the processing chamber  48 . Typically, the fluid dispenser  20  will be the sole source of base fluid  22  for disposing the base fluid  22  within the processing chamber  48 . 
     During the extended dosing  62  of the consumable  24 , the desired amount of consumable  24  is dispensed into the mixing chamber  18 . Typically, the base fluid  22  will be dispensed within the mixing chamber  18  during the extended dosing  62  of the consumable  24 . The fluid dispenser  20  is positioned upstream of the cartridge  14  or cartridges  14  so that the base fluid  22  can flow beneath the cartridges  14 . Using this configuration, the base fluid  22  and the consumable  24  are thereby combined within the mixing chamber  18  to form a laundry solution  26 . The laundry solution  26  represents a pre-mixed combination of one or more of the consumables  24  and the base fluid  22 . Typically, the flow rates of the base fluid  22  and the one or more consumables  24  will be relatively consistent during the extended dosing  62 . Accordingly, the proportional relationship of consumable  24  to base fluid  22  that makes up the laundry solution  26  will typically be consistent. The laundry solution  26  is directed from the mixing chamber  18  through outlet  28  into a processing chamber  48  for washing the one or more articles. 
     The various cartridges  14  are positioned within the compartment  12  and specifically within respective slots  54  defined within the compartment  12 . These slots  54  position the cartridges  14  proximate the mixing chamber  18  and are typically configured to dispense the consumable  24  directly into the mixing chamber  18 . It should be understood that any practical manner of fluidly coupling the cartridge  14  to the mixing chamber  18  is contemplated. The slots  54  can be configured to receive a specific type of cartridge  14  such that each slot  54  has a different shape. The slots  54  may also be similarly configured so that the various cartridges  14  can be disposed within any of the slots  54  for the compartment  12 . 
     In some embodiments, the consumable  24  is a dry consumable (e.g., powdered detergent) and the cartridge  14  includes a suitable device for dispensing the dry consumable. It is contemplated that the base fluid  22  is directed into the mixing chamber  18  from a fluid dispenser  20  positioned near the cartridge  14  and the mixing chamber  18 . As discussed above, the fluid dispenser  20  will typically be the sole source of base fluid  22  for disposing the base fluid  22  within the processing chamber  48 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the cartridge  14  is provided containing a consumable  24 . The cartridge  14  also includes the pump  30  configured to dispense the consumable  24  into the mixing chamber  18 . In various examples, the pump  30  is self-actuating such that the actuator and the pumping mechanism are contained within the cartridge  14 . In certain aspects of the device, the self-actuating pump  30  only requires the actuating electrical current  64  from the appliance  10 . It is also contemplated that the cartridge  14  may include an on-board power source, such as a battery. In such an aspect, the pump  30  can receive an activating signal from the appliance  10 . In some embodiments, the pump  30  is a microfluidic pump having a constant or variable flow rate. According to some aspects, the pump  30  operates using piezoelectric technology. 
     The cartridge  14  may further include cartridge circuitry  32  in electrical communication with the laundry appliance  10 , typically via the machine circuitry  50 . The cartridge  14  includes at least one cartridge connector  34  in communication with at least one machine connector  36  of the machine circuitry  50 . The cartridge connector  34  and the machine connector  36  are configured to facilitate the exchange of data and electricity between the cartridge  14  and the machine circuitry  50 . In some embodiments, the cartridge connector  34  and the machine connector  36  may be wireless communication devices (e.g. near-field communication (“NFC”) devices) as shown in  FIG. 3B . Where the connection is a wireless interface  74 , the cartridge  14  is typically equipped with a portable power source or wireless power technology in electromagnetic communication with the machine connector  36 . This wireless interface  74  can be used to provide a data connection  78  as well as an electrical connection  80  for providing an actuating electrical current  64  to the self-actuating pump  30 . As shown in  FIG. 3B , in some embodiments, the machine connector  36  includes a wireless power emitter. The data, status information  76  and actuating electrical current  64  exchanged between the machine connector  36  and the cartridge connector  34  is typically via a low-voltage electrical connection  80 , such as approximately 70 milliwatts (mW) or some other higher or lower low-voltage current. 
     The cartridge  14  further includes cartridge circuitry  32  containing data regarding the characteristics of the cartridge  14  and the contents thereof. In some aspects, the data includes a unique identifier such that the controller  72  for the laundry appliance  10  may identify when a specific cartridge  14  is inserted into the laundry appliance  10 . The cartridge circuitry  32  may further include a form of electronic memory such that the cartridge  14  can track the amount of consumable  24  remaining in the cartridge  14 . Other status information  76  and characteristics of the cartridge  14  that may be stored in the cartridge circuitry  32  can include, but are not limited to, the type of consumable  24 , pump circuitry/identifiers, the size of the cartridge  14 , the manufacturer of the cartridge  14 , the viscosity of the consumable  24 , pump flow rate, the number of pump activations, combinations thereof and other similar status information  76 . The cartridge circuitry  32  may be configured with read and/or write capabilities such that it may both transmit to and receive data from the laundry appliance  10 . Using the stored and rewritten status information  76 , the cartridge circuitry  32  can communicate to the controller  72  information related to the status of the cartridge  14 . Such status information  76  can include, but is not limited to, replacement information, maintenance information, information related to the quality of the consumable  24 , information related to the clogging of consumable  24 , failures of the self-actuating pump  30  and other similar status information  76 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-4 , the laundry appliance  10  includes a controller  72 , typically in the form of machine circuitry  50 . The controller  72  and/or the machine circuitry  50  can include a cartridge database  38 , programming related to one or more algorithms  40 , at least one pump driver  42 , and other similar data and components. The cartridge database  38  typically contains information regarding available cartridge types for the laundry appliance  10  and the characteristics of the various cartridge types. Cartridge circuitry  32  typically includes a unique identifier that can be used by the laundry appliance  10  in identifying, determining and evaluating cartridge characteristics (e.g. cartridge size, consumable type, viscosity, pump flow rate, manufacturer, etc.) from the cartridge database  38 . According to some aspects, the controller  72  for the laundry appliance  10  includes a server connection  66  (e.g., a wireless electronic connection) to a server  46  and/or a device connection  68  to an electronic user device  44  for updating the cartridge database  38 . In some embodiments, characteristics of the cartridge  14  are stored by the cartridge  14  and transmitted to the controller  72  of the laundry appliance  10  without the use of a unique identifier and/or cartridge database  38 . It should be understood that the server  46  can be in the form of a local server, offsite server, cloud computing system or other server configuration. 
     In some embodiments, the machine circuitry  50  includes programming related to one or more algorithms  40  for interfacing with the cartridge  14 . For example, in some aspects, multiple cartridges  14  may be coupled to the machine circuitry  50 . In such an embodiment, each of the cartridges  14  typically contains a different consumable  24 . Based on a selected laundry cycle, and through the use of the one or more algorithms  40 , the machine circuitry  50  determines which consumables  24 , or combinations thereof, are to be used for the selected laundry cycle. The controller  72 , which can be in the form of machine circuitry  50 , issues at least one command to the cartridge circuitry  32  of the corresponding cartridge  14  to dispense a certain dosed amount  60  the desired consumable  24 . The algorithms  40  can also instruct the other cartridge circuitry  32  of the other cartridges  14  to dispense respective dosed amounts  60  of the various consumables  24 . In this manner, the algorithm  40  provides for the dispensed portion  58  of the various consumables  24  to be delivered to the mixing chamber  18 . 
     The algorithms  40  may also be configured to generate one or more user profiles, as will be discussed in regard to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , for determining one or more user characteristics, such as, typical detergent types, and a frequency of use for the laundry appliance  10 . 
     According to some aspects, the algorithms  40  track the amount of consumable  24  dispensed from each unique cartridge  14 . Accordingly, the laundry appliance  10 , via the controller  72 , can determine the amount of remaining consumable  24  in the cartridge  14 . This amount of consumable  24  is then compared to a required amount of consumable  24  for the selected cycle about to be performed. In some embodiments, the laundry appliance  10  can provide an alert to the user if the amount of remaining consumable  24  in the cartridge  14  is nearing the required dispended portion of consumable  24  for the selected cycle. Characteristics of the cartridge  14  may also be stored by the controller  72  for the laundry appliance  10  such that the cartridge  14  may be removed from the laundry appliance  10  and reinserted in the laundry appliance  10  without losing data or other status information  76  regarding the characteristics of the cartridge  14  (e.g., amount of remaining consumable  24 ). In some embodiments, status information  76  and other characteristics of the cartridge  14  are stored by the cartridge circuitry  32  itself upon use. 
     In some aspects, the laundry appliance  10  includes at least one pump driver  42  for controlling the pump  30  of the cartridge  14 . In some examples, the pump driver  42  is used to control the dosed amount  60  of consumable  24  dispensed by the pump  30 . The pump driver  42  may also determine a desired flow rate at which the consumable  24  is dispensed for providing and/or adjusting the desired concentration of consumable  24  in the resulting laundry solution  26 . 
     According to some aspects, the cartridge  14  is a non-refillable cartridge where, upon depletion of the consumable  24 , the cartridge  14  is discarded. In other embodiments, upon depletion of the consumable  24 , the cartridge  14  is sent to a supplier of the consumable  24  to be refilled. The cartridge  14  may then be resold or returned to the user. In such embodiments, the characteristics of cartridge  14  stored in the cartridge circuitry  32  may be overwritten or otherwise updated to indicate the updated conditions of the cartridge  14  (e.g. remaining levels of the consumable  24  and/or a different type of consumable  24  contained in the cartridge  14 ). Alternatively, or in addition, the cartridge  14  may be configured to be refilled by the user and the characteristics of the cartridge  14  may be updated automatically (e.g., by the opening of a refill port) or manually by the user (e.g., via the laundry appliance  10 ). In some embodiments, the user may update the characteristics of the cartridge  14  through the use of the electronic user device  44  ( FIG. 4 ) and/or through the use of a feature of the laundry appliance  10 . 
     In some embodiments, based on the characteristics of the cartridge  14 , the laundry appliance  10 , or the controller  72  therefor, can reject the cartridge  14  if it has one or more non-conforming characteristics. For example, some laundry appliances  10  may only be compatible with specific types of consumable  24 . Accordingly, a cartridge  14  containing a non-compatible consumable  24  may be rejected by the laundry appliance  10  and feedback may be given to the user regarding the rejection. In some aspects, the cartridge  14  may be rejected based on other characteristics of the cartridge  14  (e.g., incompatible pump type and/or an unrecognized consumable  24 ). In some embodiments, the unique identifier of the cartridge  14  is related to information regarding the manufacturer of the cartridge  14  and/or the consumable  24 . The laundry appliance  10 , using the unique identifier, would validate the cartridge  14  and/or consumable  24  as an original or licensed product. The controller  72 , in response to a non-conforming or non-compatible cartridge being inserted in the compartment  12 , may provide an alert or warning about a less effective nature of the cartridge  14  and/or the contents thereof. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , the machine circuitry  50  may be in electronic communication with at least one of the cartridge  14 , the electronic user device  44 , and/or the server  46 . In some embodiments, as discussed in reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the machine circuitry  50  updates one or more databases (e.g., the cartridge database  38  and/or the algorithms  40 ) via the server connection  66  with the server  46  and/or the device connection  68  with the electronic user device  44 . In some aspects, the server connection  66  and/or the device connection  68  are wireless connections. Additionally, it is contemplated that the server connection  66  and/or the device connection  68  may be accomplished through the use of one or more intermediary devices (e.g., a cellular signal, Bluetooth, wireless router and others). In various aspects, the electronic user device  44  and the server  46  are connected through an ancillary connection  70 . In various aspects, the server connection  66 , the device connection  68 , the ancillary connection  70 , and combinations thereof comprise any practical form of electronic communication including, but not limited to, cellular connection, Bluetooth, WiFi, a wired connection (e.g., Ethernet), or other similar form of electronic communication. Additionally, communication may be established between the laundry appliance  10 , the server  46 , and/or the electronic user device  44  in a variety of configurations. In various aspects, information may be relayed between the laundry appliance  10 , the server  46 , and the electronic user device  44 . By way of example, and not limitation, the electronic user device  44  is connected to the laundry appliance  10  through the device connection  68  comprising a Bluetooth connection. Information is then sent to the server  46  from the electronic user device  44  via the ancillary connection  70  comprising a cellular data signal without the need for the server connection  66 . 
     According to some aspects, a user profile is generated from usage patterns of the laundry appliance  10 . In various embodiments, the user profile is generated by one of the machine circuitry  50 , the electronic user device  44 , the server  46 , or a combination thereof. Examples of the user information used can include, but are not limited to, types of consumable  24 , brands of consumable  24 , frequency of usage for the laundry appliance  10 , and frequency of specific types of wash cycles. The user profile may be created based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, geographical location, family size, user activities (e.g., gym activities and/or work activities), skin conditions, user preference for eco-friendly and/or non-chemical consumables, and family composition in terms or age (e.g., families including infants and/or elderly individuals). 
     In some aspects, the electronic user device  44  includes a plurality of electronic user devices  44 . For example, in some embodiments, the user is able to communicate electronically with the laundry appliance  10  via one or more portable electronic devices (e.g., a cellular phone, wearable computing device, a tablet, and/or a laptop), a desktop computer, a digital assistant, and/or an internet of things (“IOT”) device. In some embodiments, the electronic user device  44  is configured to communicate with the laundry appliance  10  by a Bluetooth connection, however, any practical forms of electronic communication are contemplated (e.g., WiFi, cellular signal, or via the internet). In some embodiments, the electronic user device  44  does not communicate directly with the laundry appliance  10  but rather via the server  46 . 
     According to some aspects, the electronic user device  44  is configured to both transmit and/or receive information to/from the laundry appliance  10 . Information transmitted between the laundry appliance  10  and the electronic user device  44  may include, but is not limited to, low levels of consumable  24  in one or more cartridges  14 , installation of an incompatible cartridge  14 , and/or requests to purchase additional cartridges  14 . In some embodiments, maintenance information (e.g., connection issues between the cartridge  14  and the laundry appliance  10  and/or a malfunction of the cartridge  14 ) is communicated to at least one of the electronic user device  44  and the server  46 . 
     In some embodiments, the server  46  includes one or more server devices configured to communicate with the laundry appliance  10 . In some aspects, content stored on and services run by the server  46  are maintained by the manufacturer of the laundry appliance  10 . The server  46  can be used to update software of the user interface controls  16  of the laundry appliance  10 , the cartridge database  38 , the algorithms  40 , or a combination thereof. 
     In some aspects, the server  46  is associated with a retail merchant. According to some embodiments, the laundry appliance  10  can send a purchase request to the server  46  for a desired cartridge  14 . The retail merchant then processes the request and delivers and/or makes available the desired cartridge  14  to the user. In certain aspects, the desired cartridge  14  is automatically determined based on the created user profile. For example, if a specific brand of consumable  24  or a particular type of consumable  24  is frequently used in the laundry appliance  10 , the laundry appliance  10  can make the determination that the specific type of consumable  24  is desired and send a purchase request to the retail merchant for the specific consumable  24  when a low level of consumable  24  is detected. In some embodiments, the laundry appliance  10  is configured to suggest to the user (e.g., via the electronic user device  44 ) recommended cartridges  14  based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, sale price, time of the year (e.g., for cartridges having a seasonal scent), and cartridges  14  containing new types of consumable  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5 , having discussed various aspects of the laundry appliance  10  and the cartridge  14 , a method  400  for sending a purchase request and/or reorder alert is provided. In some aspects, the method  400 , as shown, is performed by the laundry appliance  10 . However, it is contemplated that, in various embodiments, the method  400  is typically performed by at least one of the machine circuitry  50  for the laundry appliance  10 , the electronic user device  44 , the server  46 , or a combination thereof. 
     According to the method  400 , the laundry appliance  10  begins a cycle and the monitoring of the various cartridges  14  begins (step  402 ). The laundry appliance  10  tracks usage patterns of the user (step  404 ). This may include, but is not limited to, wash cycle frequencies, types of consumable  24 , types and/or sizes of the cartridge  14 , and similar information available to the laundry appliance  10 . Based on the usage patterns tracked during step  404 , the machine circuitry  50  creates and/or updates a user profile. In some aspects, the user profile includes an estimated usage rate of at least one consumable  24 . According to the method  400 , the machine circuitry  50  determines a remaining level of the consumable  24  for at least one cartridge  14  (step  406 ). The determined remaining level of the consumable  24  is compared to the estimated usage rate of the at least one consumable  24  to determine an estimated time to empty (step  408 ). The machine circuitry  50 , using the estimated time to empty, determines if more consumable  24  is needed (step  410 ). If the machine circuitry  50  determines that no consumable  24  is needed, the process returns to the step  402  of the method  400  and continues to monitor the need for additional amounts of the consumable  24  (step  414 ). 
     If the machine circuitry  50  makes a determination that more consumable  24  is needed, the machine circuitry  50  provides a purchase request to the server  46  and/or a reorder alert to the electronic user device  44  regarding the need for a desired cartridge  14  containing the needed consumable  24 . In some aspects of step  410 , the machine circuitry  50  will typically take into account delay factors (e.g., estimated shipping times for the desired cartridge  14 ) for receiving the desired cartridge  14  and sends the purchase request and/or user alert prior to the consumable  24  being depleted (step  412 ). After providing the purchase request and/or user alert, the machine circuitry  50  repeats the process and returns to step  402  of the method  400  to monitor the need for additional amounts of the consumable  24  (step  414 ). 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a compartment defined within a cabinet. A cartridge is selectively received within the compartment. The cartridge includes a self-actuating pump for dispensing a consumable from an interior of the cartridge. A mixing chamber is positioned under the self-actuating pump. The mixing chamber receives a dispensed portion of the consumable. A fluid dispenser dispenses a base fluid into the mixing chamber. The fluid dispenser is upstream of the self-actuating pump and the base fluid carries the dispensed portion to a processing chamber contained within the cabinet. 
     According to another aspect, the dispensed portion of the consumable is dispensed from the cartridge in dosed amounts over a predetermined period of time. 
     According to yet another aspect, the fluid dispenser is a sole source of the base fluid that is delivered to the processing chamber. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the compartment includes a plurality of slots. Each slot selectively receives a corresponding cartridge. 
     According to another aspect, the plurality of slots are positioned over a portion of the mixing chamber. 
     According to yet another aspect, the base fluid is water. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the self-actuating pump is a microfluidic pump that receives an actuating electrical current from a cartridge interface between the cartridge and the compartment. 
     According to another aspect, the cartridge interface between the cartridge and the compartment is a wireless interface. Data and the actuating electrical current are provided via the cartridge interface. 
     According to yet another aspect, the predetermined period of time is defined by a fill stage of a laundry cycle. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dispensing assembly for a laundry appliance includes a cartridge having a cartridge connector and that is selectively received within a compartment having a machine connector. A self-actuating pump is contained within the cartridge. The self-actuating pump operates to dispense a consumable from an interior of the cartridge. A mixing chamber is positioned under the self-actuating pump. The mixing chamber receives a dispensed portion of the consumable. A fluid dispenser dispenses a base fluid into the mixing chamber. The fluid dispenser is upstream of the self-actuating pump. A cartridge interface is defined between the cartridge connector and the machine connector. The cartridge interface delivers an actuating electrical current to the self-actuating pump. 
     According to another aspect, the cartridge includes cartridge circuitry that is in communication with the self-actuating pump and the cartridge connector. The cartridge circuitry delivers status information to the machine connector via the cartridge interface. 
     According to yet another aspect, the cartridge interface includes a wireless power emitter. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the dispensed portion of the consumable is dispensed from the cartridge in dosed amounts over a predetermined period of time. 
     According to another aspect, the status information includes information related to replacement of the cartridge. 
     According to yet another aspect, the base fluid is water. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the self-actuating pump is a microfluidic pump. 
     According to another aspect, the cartridge interface between the cartridge and the compartment is a wireless interface. The actuating electrical current and a data connection for delivering the status information are provided via the cartridge interface. 
     According to yet another aspect, the status information includes maintenance information relating to at least one of detergent quality, detergent clogs, and pump failure. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dispensing assembly for a laundry appliance includes a plurality of cartridges that are selectively received within a compartment having corresponding machine connectors. Each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges includes a self-actuating pump, cartridge circuitry and a cartridge connector in communication with the self-actuating pump and the cartridge circuitry. Each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges contains a respective consumable. A mixing chamber is positioned under the plurality of cartridges. The mixing chamber receives a dispensed portion of each respective consumable from the plurality of cartridges. A fluid dispenser dispenses a base fluid into the mixing chamber. The fluid dispenser is upstream of the self-actuating pumps of the plurality of cartridges. A cartridge interface is defined between each cartridge connector of the plurality of cartridges and corresponding machine connectors of the compartment. The cartridge interface delivers an actuating electrical current to each of the self-actuating pumps. 
     According to another aspect, the self-actuating pumps of the plurality of cartridges are microfluidic pumps that deliver the respective consumable into the mixing chamber as an extended dosing that occurs over a predetermined period of time. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.