Dishwasher Acceleration Sensor Monitoring for Drying Phase Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher monitoring systems struggle to reliably detect the end of a cleaning program, especially during drying phases where temperature and conductivity sensors provide inadequate readings.
Innovation Solution
A method using acceleration sensors to detect the progression of measured acceleration values within the dishwasher's treatment chamber, allowing for the determination of status information indicative of process steps within a cleaning program, and outputting this information to inform users or control dosing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature and conductivity sensors are used to monitor the cleaning program, then the dosing device can control the washing process, but the sensors become damaged or unusable during drying phases and provide inadequate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (mobile device or server) that receives sensor data from the dishwasher and performs the monitoring and analysis functions externally. This separates the sensing function from the harsh environment of the treatment chamber, allowing sensors to operate in a more controlled environment while still monitoring the cleaning program status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical sensors that directly contact the harsh wash environment with an alternative approach using acceleration sensors and signal analysis. Instead of relying on temperature and conductivity sensors that degrade in the treatment chamber, the system uses acceleration data to infer the cleaning program status, eliminating the need for sensors to withstand chemical and mechanical stress.
2Loss of information
If sensors are installed in the treatment chamber to detect cleaning program status, then real-time monitoring is possible, but the sensors cannot reliably detect the end of the program during drying phases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary device that receives and analyzes data from multiple sources including acceleration sensors, timer data, and temperature profiles. This intermediary performs comprehensive analysis to determine cleaning program status, compensating for the limitations of individual sensors during drying phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to handle multiple cleaning program types and phases using a single integrated approach. By combining acceleration sensor data with timer information and temperature profiles, the system can universally detect the status of various cleaning programs including washing, rinsing, and drying phases, rather than requiring separate detection methods for each phase.
3Loss of information
If multiple sensors are used to monitor all phases of the cleaning program, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary device that consolidates the monitoring function externally. Instead of installing multiple sensors within the dishwasher, the system uses a mobile device or server that receives data from existing sensors and performs comprehensive analysis, reducing the complexity within the dishwasher while maintaining monitoring completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves comprehensive monitoring through a multi-functional approach where a single monitoring device processes multiple types of data (acceleration, temperature, timer information) to determine cleaning program status. This eliminates the need for separate specialized sensors for each cleaning phase, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
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
Enables clear and reliable determination of the cleaning program's state, including the detection of the drying phase and the end of the program, thereby improving the control and regulation of dosing devices and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
Detecting at least one item of acceleration information indicative of a progression of measured acceleration values, wherein the at least one item of acceleration information is detected by at least one acceleration sensor in a treatment chamber of a dishwasher
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates inter alia to a method (30) comprising the following: acquiring at least one piece of acceleration information indicative of a course of measured acceleration values, wherein the at least one piece of acceleration information is acquired by at least one acceleration sensor in a treatment compartment of the dishwasher machine (300); determining a piece of status information indicative of a process step in a washing program carried out by the dishwasher machine, wherein the status information is determined on the basis of the at least one piece of acceleration information; and outputting or initiating the output of the determined status information. The invention also relates to a device for implementing and/or controlling said method, to a system comprising at least one device for implementing and/or controlling said method, and to a computer program for implementing and/or controlling said method by means of a processor.