Method for setting a time of a release of a cleaning agent during a cleaning cycle in a household appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashing machines face challenges in determining the optimal timing for releasing cleaning agents during cycles, especially when the machine dynamically adapts the cleaning strategy based on load or dirtiness, leading to unsatisfactory results from predefined and fixed timing.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures local parameters such as acceleration and temperature within the appliance to identify specific cleaning steps, comparing these measurements to reference patterns to determine the precise timing for releasing cleaning agents, ensuring they are dispensed at the appropriate moment during the cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a predefined and fixed timing for releasing cleaning agents is used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of cleaning performance deteriorates when the cleaning program is dynamically adapted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed, predefined release timing to dynamic, adaptive release timing. The dosing unit now determines release moments based on real-time monitoring of cleaning program parameters (temperature, duration, cleaning steps) rather than following a static schedule. This allows the system to adapt to dynamically modified cleaning programs while maintaining reliable cleaning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the actual cleaning program execution (temperature evolution, cycle duration, identified cleaning steps) and using this information to adjust the cleaning agent release timing. The dosing unit receives feedback about the cleaning program state and adapts its release strategy accordingly, ensuring synchronization between agent release and actual cleaning conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cleaning program is dynamically adapted based on load or dirtiness, then the adaptability of the cleaning process is improved, but the reliability of cleaning agent release timing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system embraces dynamics by allowing both the cleaning program parameters and the dosing strategy to be dynamically adjusted. When the cleaning program adapts to load or dirtiness levels (changing temperature, duration, or adding cycles), the dosing unit simultaneously adapts its release timing based on monitored program evolution, maintaining reliability despite program variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing unit implements feedback by monitoring the actual cleaning program execution and using this information to adjust release timing. When feedback indicates program modifications (extended duration, temperature changes, additional cycles), the dosing strategy is adjusted accordingly to maintain reliable agent release synchronization with the adapted program.
3Manufacturing precision
If cleaning agent release timing is based on identified cleaning steps from parameter evolution, then the manufacturing precision of dosing timing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing unit implements multi-functionality by combining multiple capabilities in a single device: monitoring cleaning program parameters (temperature, duration), identifying cleaning steps through pattern recognition, determining optimal release timing, and controlling agent release. This consolidates what could be separate functions into one integrated system, managing complexity while achieving high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning program parameters (temperature evolution, duration, identified steps) serve as intermediaries between the cleaning process and the dosing decision. Rather than directly controlling release based on complex sensor data, the system uses these intermediate parameters to bridge the cleaning process state and dosing timing decisions, simplifying the control logic while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for setting a time of a release of a cleaning agent during a cleaning cycle in a household appliance includes obtaining an evolution over time of a local parameter inside the appliance, the local parameter comprising an acceleration induced by the cycle or a temperature inside the appliance; obtaining reference patterns of evolutions of the local parameter during a cycle comprising different cleaning steps including a step adapted for releasing the cleaning agent at a predetermined adapted time; comparing the evolution of the local parameter to the reference patterns and identifying a cleaning step within the cycle when a similarity between a reference pattern and the evolution is above a predetermined threshold, and setting the release of the agent at the predetermined adapted time within the identified cleaning step when the identified step corresponds to a step adapted for releasing the agent.