Dishwasher Cavitation Fill Control Using Pump Pressure Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for detecting a water fill level in dishwashers are either costly or require complex electronic systems, and there is a need for non-electronic methods to accurately control the water fill level.
Innovation Solution
A cavitation sense fill system that uses a pressure switch to monitor the output pressure of the recirculation pump, deactivating the fill valve when a predefined pressure threshold is reached, ensuring an appropriate water fill level without the need for costly rotor balancing or complex electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current gradients are used to detect cavitation, then water fill level detection is effective, but pump motor rotor balancing becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical approach of monitoring pump motor current gradients with a simple mechanical float-based water level sensor. This substitution eliminates the need for precise rotor balancing while achieving reliable water fill level detection through buoyancy-based mechanical sensing.
2Measurement precision
If electronic systems are used for water fill level detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical float elements instead of costly electronic sensors. These basic mechanical components provide reliable water level detection without requiring complex electronics, microprocessors, or sophisticated signal processing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles through float-based mechanical sensing, where buoyant floats rise and fall with water level changes to mechanically actuate fill valve control. This hydraulic-mechanical approach replaces electronic sensing and control systems.
3Loss of substance
If water fill level is not accurately controlled, then water conservation is reduced, but overfilling causes water waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where float-based water level sensors continuously monitor the water fill level and provide mechanical feedback signals to control the fill valve. When the water reaches the appropriate level, the float mechanism automatically signals the valve to close, preventing overfilling and water waste.
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 solution allows for accurate detection and control of the water fill level, preventing overfilling and ensuring efficient water usage, while avoiding the costs and complexities associated with electronic systems.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a water fill level in dishwashers... monitoring the output pressure of the recirculation pump... deactivates at least one fill valve when the output pressure satisfies at least one predefined criteria
Data Source
AI summary
A cavitation sense fill system for a dishwasher system is disclosed. The dishwasher system includes a fluid circulation system for circulating water in a tub, wherein the fluid circulation system includes at least one recirculation pump and at least one fill valve. The cavitation sense fill system includes a pressure switch for monitoring an output pressure of the at least one recirculation pump, wherein the pressure switch deactivates the at least one fill valve when the output pressure satisfies at least one predefined criteria.