Dishwasher Camera-Based Basket Detection for Adaptive Spray Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The positioning of articles within a dishwasher can affect fluid dynamics during the cleaning process, leading to varying cleaning efficiencies based on the rack assembly used, as different spray patterns, velocities, and durations impact the effectiveness of the cleaning cycle, necessitating a method to detect baskets and adjust operating parameters accordingly.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher equipped with a camera assembly to determine the presence of a basket on a rack assembly and a controller to adjust operating parameters, such as fluid flow and spray duration, based on this detection to optimize cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed cleaning cycle is used for all rack configurations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning efficiency deteriorates due to varying fluid dynamics requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The camera captures an image of the rack configuration before the cleaning cycle begins. The controller processes this image to detect the presence and position of baskets, and pre-determines the appropriate cleaning parameters (spray duration, fluid flow rate, spray pattern) based on the detected configuration. This preliminary detection and planning allows the system to optimize cleaning efficiency for each specific configuration without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the cleaning process.
2Productivity
If the cleaning parameters are adjusted based on basket detection, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with an optical detection system using a camera. Instead of using multiple physical sensors, switches, or mechanical detectors to identify basket presence and rack configuration, the system uses image capture and processing. The controller analyzes the captured image to determine the rack configuration and automatically adjusts cleaning parameters, substituting a relatively simple optical system for what would otherwise require complex mechanical detection and control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If different spray patterns and durations are used for different rack configurations, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the loss of time for cycle adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs basket detection and cleaning parameter determination at the beginning of the cleaning cycle, before the actual cleaning process starts. The camera captures the rack configuration, the controller processes the image to identify basket presence and position, and pre-calculates the optimal spray patterns, durations, and fluid flow rates. This preliminary action ensures that no significant time is lost during the cleaning cycle itself for parameter adjustments, as all optimizations are prepared in advance based on the detected configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the camera-based detection system to automatically adjust cleaning parameters. The controller receives information about the rack configuration from the captured image and uses this feedback to select appropriate spray patterns, durations, and fluid flow rates. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic optimization without requiring manual intervention or time-consuming trial-and-error adjustments, thereby minimizing time loss while maximizing cleaning efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher appliance can include a basket configured for receipt of articles for washing and a camera assembly mounted within the wash chamber with a view of a rack assembly. A controller is operably coupled with the camera assembly and may be configured for obtaining an image of the rack assembly positioned in the wash chamber, determining whether the basket is positioned in the rack assembly, and adjusting at least one operating parameter of the dishwashing appliance based on whether the basket is positioned in the rack assembly.