Commercial dishwasher and method for operating a commercial dishwasher

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashers lack the ability to automatically differentiate between types of items being washed, leading to inefficient resource use and suboptimal cleaning results due to the reliance on factory-preset programs, which often result in overuse of resources or inadequate cleaning for different classes of items.

Innovation Solution

A commercial dishwasher equipped with a camera system and evaluation device that learns user behavior through machine learning to adapt treatment parameters based on the type and quantity of items being washed, optimizing resource use and cleaning efficiency without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If factory-preset programs are used for washing, then the dishwasher can operate with simple control, but resource consumption increases and cleaning efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic program selectionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The dishwasher system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by automatically detecting the type and amount of tableware loaded, then autonomously selects appropriate washing programs and adjusts parameters without user intervention. The control unit processes detection signals from sensors to determine tableware categories and automatically configures washing parameters, enabling the system to serve itself rather than relying on factory-preset programs or manual user selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates detection devices that continuously monitor the washing chamber to identify tableware types and quantities. The control unit receives feedback from these detectors and dynamically adjusts washing program selection and parameters based on the detected tableware characteristics, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes resource consumption according to actual loading conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If factory-preset programs are used for washing, then the dishwasher structure remains simple, but cleaning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidcleaning quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The dishwasher system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by automatically detecting the type and amount of tableware loaded, then autonomously selects appropriate washing programs and adjusts parameters without user intervention. The control unit processes detection signals from sensors to determine tableware categories and automatically configures washing parameters, enabling the system to serve itself rather than relying on factory-preset programs or manual user selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts washing parameters such as water temperature, spray pressure, washing duration, and chemical dosage based on the detected tableware type and quantity. The control unit modifies these parameters in real-time to match the specific cleaning requirements of different tableware categories, thereby achieving high cleaning precision without requiring a complex manual intervention system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If manual program selection is required, then resource consumption can be optimized, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource efficiencyVSAvoiduser intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dishwasher system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by automatically detecting the type and amount of tableware loaded, then autonomously selects appropriate washing programs and adjusts parameters without user intervention. The control unit processes detection signals from sensors to determine tableware categories and automatically configures washing parameters, enabling the system to serve itself rather than relying on factory-preset programs or manual user selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates detection devices that continuously monitor the washing chamber to identify tableware types and quantities. The control unit receives feedback from these detectors and dynamically adjusts washing program selection and parameters based on the detected tableware characteristics, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes resource consumption according to actual loading conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Device complexity

If generic washing programs are used, then device complexity remains low, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram control complexityVSAvoidcleaning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dishwasher system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by automatically detecting the type and amount of tableware loaded, then autonomously selects appropriate washing programs and adjusts parameters without user intervention. The control unit processes detection signals from sensors to determine tableware categories and automatically configures washing parameters, enabling the system to serve itself rather than relying on factory-preset programs or manual user selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts washing parameters such as water temperature, spray pressure, washing duration, and chemical dosage based on the detected tableware type and quantity. The control unit modifies these parameters in real-time to match the specific cleaning requirements of different tableware categories, thereby achieving high cleaning precision without requiring a complex manual intervention system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4410173B1Commercial dishwasher and method for operating a commercial dishwasher
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4410173B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4410173B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a commercial dishwasher (1) with at least one washing system for washing items, at least one rinsing system for rinsing the washed items, and optionally a drying system for optimally drying the rinsed items. The dishwasher (1) has a camera system (34) configured to capture at least one image of the items to be processed in the dishwasher (1). Furthermore, an evaluation unit is provided, which is configured, in particular during a profiling process, to create a pattern relating to the usage patterns of the operator of the dishwasher (1) over time based on the captured images.