Dishwasher Cleaning Program Monitoring Using Acceleration Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher monitoring systems face challenges in accurately detecting the completion of a cleaning program due to issues with temperature and conductivity sensors, which can be damaged by chemicals and dirt, leading to distorted measurements and unreliable control of dosing devices.
Innovation Solution
A method using acceleration sensors to detect status data within the dishwasher's treatment chamber, allowing for the determination and output of the progression of a cleaning program, enabling reliable monitoring and control without the need for temperature and conductivity sensors.
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 rinsing process, but the sensors are damaged by chemicals and dirt leading to distorted measurements and unreliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the monitoring function from the treatment chamber environment by placing acceleration sensors in the control unit outside the treatment chamber. The sensors detect vibrations transmitted through the machine structure rather than directly contacting the wash liquor, thereby removing sensors from the harmful chemical and physical environment while maintaining monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acceleration sensors as an intermediary monitoring mechanism that detects program progression through vibrations caused by pump operations, spray arm rotations, and other mechanical activities. This intermediary approach allows indirect monitoring of the cleaning program without exposing sensors to the harsh treatment chamber environment.
2Loss of information
If temperature sensors are used to identify the rinse cycle, then the dosing device can be controlled, but the sensors cannot detect the drying process in zeolite-active drying and cannot reliably detect the end of the cleaning program
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements acceleration sensors that serve multiple functions: detecting rinse cycles through pump vibrations, identifying drying processes through characteristic vibration patterns, and determining program completion. A single sensor system replaces multiple specialized sensors, providing universal monitoring capability across all cleaning program phases including zeolite-active drying.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors changes in vibration parameters (amplitude, frequency, pattern) to distinguish between different process steps. The control unit analyzes variations in acceleration data to identify transitions between washing, rinsing, and drying phases, as well as to detect program completion, without relying on temperature or conductivity thresholds.
3Measurement precision
If conductivity sensors are installed in low-flow installation situations inside the treatment chamber, then they can monitor the wash liquor, but they are covered with substances and become unusable due to polarization and dirt deposits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the monitoring function from the treatment chamber environment by placing acceleration sensors in the control unit outside the treatment chamber. The sensors detect vibrations transmitted through the machine structure rather than directly contacting the wash liquor, thereby removing sensors from the harmful chemical and physical environment while maintaining 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
This solution provides accurate and reliable monitoring of the dishwasher's cleaning program, ensuring optimal control and user notification of program completion, independent of sensor orientation and placement, and enhances the reliability of dosing device operations.
Implementation Method 1
detecting at least one set of acceleration data indicative of a progression of measured acceleration values, wherein the at least one set of acceleration data is detected by at least one acceleration sensor in a treatment chamber of the dishwasher
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, a method is disclosed which includes the following: acquiring at least one set of acceleration data indicative of a progression of measured acceleration values; determining status data indicative of a process step within a cleaning program performed by a dishwasher; outputting or causing the output of the determined status data. Further revealed is a device for executing and/or controlling this method, a system with one or more devices for executing and/or controlling this method and a computer program for executing and/or controlling this method by employing a processor.