Computer-implemented method for determining a fill level of a filter in a water-conducting domestic appliance, computer program and water-conducting domestic appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-carrying household appliances face operational disruptions and potential damage due to clogged filters, which require regular manual cleaning to ensure proper operation and prevent contamination.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method determines the state of the filter system by measuring the filter time, utilizing existing sensors to initiate a fluid flow and detect the filtrate downstream, allowing for the assessment of filter occupancy and potential clogging without additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning schedules are used for filter systems, then operational simplicity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to potential missed cleaning and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system performs self-diagnosis by automatically monitoring its own fill level and clogging status using integrated sensors and control units, eliminating the need for external manual inspection while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors filter parameters (fill level, pressure differential, flow rate) and provides real-time feedback to the control unit, which automatically alerts users or initiates cleaning procedures when threshold values are exceeded, ensuring timely maintenance without complex external monitoring
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are installed to monitor filter state, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional sensors that serve multiple purposes: the same sensor detects both fill level and flow rate, and pressure differential measurements simultaneously indicate both clogging status and filter loading, reducing the total number of sensors needed while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple monitoring functions are combined into integrated sensor assemblies and control units that simultaneously measure fill level, pressure differential, and flow rate, reducing component count and system complexity while achieving precise multi-parameter filter state detection
3Reliability
If frequent manual cleaning is performed, then filter occupancy is reduced, but productivity decreases due to operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of fill level and clogging conditions before they reach critical thresholds, allowing users to plan cleaning during convenient times and preventing sudden operational interruptions while maintaining optimal filter performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning schedules with automated electronic monitoring and control systems that precisely track filter degradation and trigger cleaning only when necessary, optimizing the balance between reliability and productivity
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 enables simple and reliable determination of filter state, reducing the risk of appliance damage and operational disruptions by identifying filter occupancy and clogging, thus ensuring proper operation without the need for manual cleaning schedules.
Implementation Method 1
a flow sensor is provided, in order to detect a fluid flow through the filter system
Implementation Method 2
the filter system is supplied with a fluid at a starting time ts in order to be filtered
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method is proposed for determining the filter loading of a filter system (2) in a water-bearing household appliance (1), comprising: initiating a fluid flow to the filter system (2) at a start time ts to obtain a filtrate, capturing the filtrate downstream of the filter system (2) to determine an arrival time ta of the filtrate, determining a filter time tf based on the start time ts and the arrival time ta, and determining a state of the filter system (2) based on the filter time (tf).