Control method for layered washing in dishwasher and dishwasher
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dishwashers consume excessive water and energy when used for fewer than 9 sets of utensils due to simultaneous water output from upper and lower waterways, leading to inefficient and lengthy washing cycles.
Innovation Solution
A control method for layered washing in dishwashers that determines the rack holding utensils and switches the waterway system to perform upper or lower washing individually, using a water divider piece to control the spray water path and a rotary piece with triggers to synchronize water path detection, allowing selective water path communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If simultaneous water output from upper and lower waterways is used to rinse utensils, then washing coverage is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waterway system is segmented into upper and lower independent waterways, each capable of independent water output control. The controller can selectively activate only the required waterway (upper or lower) based on rack usage, rather than simultaneously activating both, thereby reducing water consumption while maintaining washing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterway system transitions from a static simultaneous-output configuration to a dynamic selective-output configuration. The controller dynamically determines which waterway to activate based on real-time detection of rack presence and washing needs, optimizing water usage for different washing scenarios.
2Productivity
If simultaneous water output from upper and lower waterways is used, then washing effectiveness is improved, but washing time increases when few utensils are present
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of always activating both upper and lower waterways (excessive action), the system applies partial action by activating only the necessary waterway based on actual washing needs. When only one rack is used, only the corresponding waterway is activated, avoiding waste of water and energy while maintaining sufficient washing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback from rack detection signals to determine which waterway to activate. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt its water output configuration to the actual loading situation, optimizing both washing efficiency and resource consumption.
3Quantity of substance
If a water divider piece with rotary control is used to switch water paths, then water usage efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A water divider piece serves as an intermediary component between the water supply and the spray arms. This single rotating component controls the distribution of water to different paths, providing a compact and efficient solution for water path switching without requiring multiple complex valves or switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary piece with triggers and elastic contact points creates a self-actuating mechanism. When the rotary piece rotates, the triggers automatically push the elastic contact points to open or close water paths based on rotation position, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control mechanisms for each water path.
Data Source
AI summary
A control method for layered washing in a dishwasher and a dishwasher itself, which includes: S101: determining a rack that holds items to be washed; S102: determining a first spray water path corresponding to the rack that holds the items to be washed; S103: controlling a water divider piece to rotate to a position that opens the first spray water path, thereby connecting the first spray water path to a water supply device and closing other spray water paths; S104: performing a pre-washing step, so that the spray water path sprays towards the rack holding the items to be washed. The method first determines the rack holding the items to be washed, and then determines the first spray water path of the rack, so that the first spray water path is connected to the sink, and other spray water paths are blocked from the sink.