Autocalibrating dosing method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher dosing methods suffer from inaccurate detergent dosing due to sensor degradation and water quality variations, leading to inefficient washing, increased waste, and potential machine damage, requiring frequent manual intervention and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An autocalibrating dosing method that sets a reference conductivity value during the first load, allowing automatic adjustment of detergent dosage in subsequent cycles, independent of water quality and probe calibration, reducing manual intervention and maintaining optimal washing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual intervention is used to adjust detergent dosage, then dosing accuracy can be improved, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically comparing conductivity measurements from the conductivity probe with reference values stored in memory. The control unit autonomously adjusts the detergent dosage parameters based on this comparison, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining dosing accuracy. The system serves itself by detecting probe degradation and compensating for it through the autocalibration routine.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where conductivity measurements from the probe are continuously monitored and compared against reference values. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the dosing parameters to compensate for probe degradation, ensuring consistent dosing accuracy without requiring manual recalibration.
2Measurement precision
If conductivity probe is used to measure detergent concentration, then dosing control is improved, but probe degradation and residue accumulation cause measurement errors over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary calibration action by storing reference conductivity values in memory during an initial calibration phase. These reference values serve as a baseline for future comparisons, allowing the system to detect and compensate for probe degradation before it significantly impacts measurement accuracy. The autocalibration routine periodically compares current measurements against these pre-stored references.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors conductivity measurements and compares them against stored reference values. When deviations are detected that indicate probe degradation, the system provides feedback to the control unit, which then adjusts the dosing parameters accordingly. This feedback loop maintains measurement consistency over time despite probe aging or contamination.
3Ease of operation
If fixed detergent dosage is used based on preset parameters, then dosing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to water quality variations and probe degradation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, fixed dosing parameters to dynamic, adaptive parameters. The control unit automatically adjusts the dosing amount based on real-time conductivity measurements and comparisons with reference values. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to water quality variations, probe degradation, and changing washing conditions while maintaining simple operation for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes the dosing parameters (amount of detergent to be dosed) based on detected variations in conductivity measurements. When the system detects that the probe is degrading or water quality has changed, it modifies the dosing parameters to compensate, maintaining optimal dosing without requiring user intervention or complex manual adjustments.
4Measurement precision
If frequent manual calibration is performed to maintain accuracy, then dosing precision is improved, but productivity and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration automatically during operation by comparing current conductivity measurements against stored reference values. This eliminates the need for frequent manual calibration interventions, maintaining dosing precision while preserving washing cycle efficiency and productivity. The system calibrates itself without stopping or pausing the washing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The autocalibration process operates continuously in the background during normal washing cycles, maintaining dosing precision without interrupting the productive washing operations. The system continuously monitors conductivity and automatically adjusts parameters, ensuring that useful action (washing) continues uninterrupted while calibration is maintained.
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
This method ensures precise detergent dosing, reduces chemical waste, increases washing efficiency, and minimizes manual intervention, thereby lowering operational costs and extending dishwasher integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a conductivity probe for the measurement of a conductivity value of the washing liquid
Implementation Method 2
detergent to be dissolved in water
Data Source
AI summary
A dosing method for dosing a chemical product, particularly a detergent, in a dishwasher includes detecting a first loading signal of a washing liquid in a washing tank of the dishwasher; dosing a first quantity of chemical product in the washing liquid to obtain a washing mixture; detecting a conductivity value of the washing mixture at a first loading condition of the dishwasher; storing a conductivity threshold value equal to the conductivity value of the washing mixture at a first loading condition; and dosing of a further quantity of chemical product in the washing mixture at an operation condition of the dishwasher in such a way to adjust a further conductivity value of the washing mixture detected in the operating condition until reaching the conductivity threshold value.