Clean status indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of electronic devices like dishwashers face challenges in determining the clean/dirty status of their contents, especially when unloading partially completed cycles, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary re-runs, as existing solutions are either built into new devices or require physical interaction, limiting their applicability to existing devices.
Innovation Solution
A clean status indicator system for dishwashers that includes temperature and weight sensors, a controller, and a visual display, allowing for remote installation on existing devices, which monitors temperature changes and weight differentials to determine the clean/dirty status and loading conditions, minimizing user input and adapting to individual user habits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods (feeling warmth or looking for water pooling) are used to check clean status, then users can get some indication, but it is often difficult to tell if the cleaning cycles were run and the contents are clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical checking methods (feeling warmth, visual inspection for water pooling) with electronic sensors (temperature sensor, weight sensor) and automated control logic. The controller processes sensor data to automatically determine clean status, substituting human sensory judgment with precise electronic measurement and logical analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate indicators (temperature sensor readings, weight sensor readings) that mediate between the actual clean status and the user's knowledge. These sensors act as intermediaries that translate physical states (temperature, weight) into actionable information, bridging the gap between the cleaning process and user awareness.
2Reliability
If users run the device through another set of cycles to be safe when uncertain of status, then they ensure clean items, but this is uneconomical and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors continuously monitor temperature and weight, and the controller uses this feedback to determine clean status. The status indicator provides real-time feedback to users, eliminating uncertainty and preventing unnecessary re-runs. The system closes the loop between cleaning action and status verification through automated sensing and indication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of clean status through sensor monitoring before users need to verify or re-run cycles. By detecting temperature changes and weight differentials during and after the cleaning cycle, the system determines status in advance, allowing users to make informed decisions without resorting to precautionary re-runs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing status indicator solutions are built into new devices, then they can monitor clean status, but they are not available for the large number of existing devices presently operating in the market
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the status indication system into separate, modular components: temperature sensor, weight sensor, controller, and status indicator. This segmentation allows the system to be installed as an add-on to existing devices without requiring complete system redesign or integration into the device's core structure, thereby enabling retrofitting of legacy equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediate sensing components (temperature sensor, weight sensor) that can be externally attached or integrated without modifying the core dishwasher system. These intermediary sensors bridge the gap between existing devices and new monitoring capabilities, allowing status indication functionality to be added to legacy equipment with minimal complexity.
4Loss of information
If products are inserted along with dishes into the dishwasher washing compartment to indicate status, then status can be monitored, but they require physical interaction by the user that may be overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service status indication system where sensors automatically detect temperature and weight changes, the controller processes this data, and the status indicator automatically displays clean status without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously monitoring and communicating status, eliminating the need for users to physically interact with or check indicator products.
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
Provides an efficient and user-friendly way to determine the clean/dirty status of dishwasher contents, reducing unnecessary re-runs and energy consumption by accurately indicating when a cycle is complete and when items have been partially unloaded, compatible with both new and existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature within the washing compartment
Implementation Method 2
at least one weight sensor configured to sense a weight differential of at least a portion of the washing compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A clean status indicator is disclosed for use with a cleaning device such as a dishwasher. At least one weight sensor may be configured to sense the weight of objects within the washing compartment. In some approaches at least one temperature sensor is configured to monitor a change of temperature occurring within a washing compartment. A visual display is positioned within a housing for conveying a clean/dirty status of objects within the washing compartment. A controller is in communication with the at least one sensor and the visual display. The controller includes a status logic receiving data from the at least one sensor to determine the clean/dirty status of objects within the washing compartment and display the clean/dirty status on the visual display.