Dishwasher Clean Status Sensing for Partial Unloading Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in determining the clean/dirty status of dishwasher contents, especially with partial unloading and in existing devices, as current solutions are either integrated into new devices or require physical interaction, lacking efficiency and universality.
Innovation Solution
A clean status indicator system using weight sensors, tilt switches, and temperature sensors, with a controller and visual display, that can be retrofitted onto existing dishwashers to monitor and display the clean/dirty status without user intervention, accommodating partial unloading and temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods such as feeling for warmth or looking for water pooling are used to check clean status, then users can get some indication of cleaning completion, but the method is difficult to tell accurately and hardly foolproof
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods (feeling warmth, looking for water) with electronic sensors including weight sensors, temperature sensors, and tilt switches that automatically detect clean status. This substitution provides accurate, foolproof detection without requiring user interpretation of physical cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the dishwasher to automatically monitor and report its own clean status through integrated sensors and a visual display, eliminating the need for users to manually assess whether items are clean. The device serves itself by providing accurate status information without human intervention.
2Reliability
If users run the device through another set of cycles to be safe when status is uncertain, then cleaning reliability is improved, but this is uneconomical and inefficient with increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors continuously monitor weight, temperature, and tilt status, and a visual display provides real-time information to users about clean status. This accurate feedback eliminates uncertainty, preventing users from running unnecessary additional cycles and wasting energy.
3Measurement precision
If status indicator solutions are incorporated into the physical structure of new devices, then measurement accuracy is improved, but these are only available upon purchase of new device and don't work with existing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the status indication system into separate, modular components (weight sensor, temperature sensor, tilt switch, visual display) that can be independently installed on existing dishwashers. This segmentation allows the system to be adapted to various existing devices without requiring complete integration into the original device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by placing sensors outside the washing compartment on the dishwasher exterior, with a visual display that communicates status without requiring internal integration. This intermediary positioning enables compatibility with existing devices while maintaining accurate status detection.
4Extent of automation
If products are inserted along with dishes into the washing compartment to indicate status, then status monitoring is enabled, but these require physical interaction by the user that may be overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the dishwasher automatically monitor its own status through external sensors and communicate findings through a visual display. The system serves itself by providing status information without requiring users to physically interact with or check indicators inside the washing compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical indicators inside the washing compartment with external electronic sensors and a visual display system. This substitution eliminates the need for users to physically reach into the compartment or manually check status, providing automated, glanceable information.
5Measurement precision
If tilt switch is positioned to abut the mounting bracket, then tilt detection sensitivity is improved, but the mounting system must accommodate movement along multiple axes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the tilt switch to abut the mounting bracket at a specific location optimized for tilt detection sensitivity. This localized positioning ensures accurate tilt detection while the mounting bracket handles the complexity of accommodating multi-axis movement separately.
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
Provides accurate and efficient indication of clean/dirty status, reducing unnecessary re-running of cycles and energy consumption, adaptable to various user habits and device configurations, and compatible with both new and existing dishwashers.
Implementation Method 1
at least one weight sensor configured to removably mount to the dishwasher externally of the washing compartment of the dishwasher, the weight sensor configured to sense the weight of objects within the washing compartment
Implementation Method 2
at least one temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature within the washing compartment
Implementation Method 3
a tilt switch operable for indicating if the dishwasher is tilted, wherein the tilt switch confirms to the weight sensor that the dishwasher is in a tilted configuration to provide a true weight
Data Source
AI summary
A device having a clean status indicator system having a frame with a base, a plurality of feet, a washing compartment, a door, and at least one rack. The system includes a weight sensor secured to one of the feet; a tilt switch for indicating if the dishwasher is tilted; a temperature sensor; a housing, and a visual display. A controller having a control logic communicates with a power supply, the weight sensor, the tilt switch, the temperature sensor, and the visual display. The controller is configured to receive data from the weight sensor, the tilt switch, and the temperature sensor and analyze the data from the weight sensor, the tilt switch, and the temperature sensor. The tilt switch is mounted exterior to the dishwasher and configured to be activated or deactivated when the dishwasher is a tilted forward.