Dishwasher Adaptive Control Using Real-Time Contamination Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher control systems fail to optimally adjust cleaning programs based on user preferences and environmental efficiency, leading to suboptimal cleaning results and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatically controlling dishwashers that detects actual state variables, compares them with reference values, outputs adjustment recommendations, and allows user input to modify the cleaning program accordingly, integrating communication with external devices for feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the dishwasher operates with fixed cleaning programs, then the program structure is simple and easy to control, but it cannot optimally adapt to different contamination levels and user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The control system detects actual state variables (contamination levels, temperature, humidity) during operation and compares them with reference values. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts program parameters such as water temperature, spray intensity, and cycle duration to optimize cleaning performance for different contamination levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning program transitions from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic adaptive program. The control device continuously monitors state variables and modifies program parameters in real-time, enabling the system to adapt to varying contamination levels and environmental conditions while maintaining operational simplicity for the user.
2Reliability
If the dishwasher uses high water temperature for all cleaning programs, then cleaning effectiveness is maximized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts water temperature based on detected contamination levels. For lightly soiled items, lower temperatures are used to conserve energy, while heavily soiled items receive higher temperatures for effective cleaning. This parameter adaptation maintains cleaning effectiveness across different scenarios while optimizing energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If the dishwasher provides multiple cleaning programs, then user choice and customization are improved, but the complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dishwasher enables users to input their preferences and requirements through the control interface. The control device then automatically generates and adjusts the cleaning program parameters based on user input and detected state variables, eliminating the need for users to manually select from multiple complex pre-programmed options while still providing customization capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes starting cleaning program stored in memory of control device of dishwasher by start signal triggered on input device of the dishwasher, detecting current actual value of state variable in the dishwasher by sensor, comparing the detected actual value with reference value of relevant state variable stored in the control device, determining parameter and/or parameter value associated with the parameter based on the comparison, outputting output signal associated with the parameter and/or the parameter value on output device, detecting adjustment signal associated with the output signal, generated in response to input on the input device or on input device associated with the dishwasher, and associated with the parameter and/or the parameter value, and continuing to run the cleaning program with original program configuration, modified program configuration, or suspend strategy for ending the cleaning program, according to the adjustment signal.