Dishwasher, method and control system for handling clogging condition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers often fail to recover from clogging conditions, requiring user intervention and risking damage to the circulation pump and spread of clogging to other parts, due to reliance on unreliable detection devices during remedial operations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a remedial operation comprising a drain operation, a fill operation, and a circulation operation, executed without reliance on detection device signals, with predetermined times to ensure effective removal of clogging conditions and prevent damage, allowing the dishwasher to resume operation safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detection devices are used to monitor clogging conditions during remedial operations, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates because detection devices become unreliable during clogging conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes detection devices from the remedial operation control loop. The control unit executes predetermined remedial operations (drain, fill, circulation) based on timer signals rather than sensor feedback, effectively extracting the unreliable detection component from the critical remedial operation sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own internal timer and control logic to execute remedial operations without relying on external detection devices. The control unit autonomously manages the remedial sequence based on predetermined timing, making the system self-sufficient during clogging conditions.
2Reliability
If user intervention is required to manually clean clogged components, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dishwasher performs self-diagnosis and self-remediation through automated remedial operations. When clogging is detected, the control unit automatically executes drain, fill, and circulation sequences without requiring user intervention, enabling the system to recover from clogging conditions autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares and executes predetermined remedial operation sequences in advance. The control unit has pre-programmed drain, fill, and circulation operations ready to be activated immediately upon detecting clogging, eliminating the need for user intervention and manual cleaning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If remedial operations are executed without predetermined timing, then adaptability to actual conditions is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to extended operation duration
Solution Approach 1:
The remedial operations are executed as periodic, timed sequences. The control unit uses timer signals to activate drain, fill, and circulation operations for predetermined durations, ensuring consistent and efficient clogging removal while maintaining predictable cycle times.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit has pre-programmed remedial operation sequences with predetermined timing. When clogging is detected, the system immediately executes these pre-planned sequences without delay or extended decision-making, optimizing both effectiveness and time efficiency.
4Reliability
If the circulation pump operates continuously during remedial operations, then clogging removal effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump operates in periodic cycles during remedial operations rather than continuously. The control unit activates the pump for predetermined time intervals using timer signals, providing sufficient circulation to remove clogging while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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 approach enables reliable and effective removal of clogging conditions, reducing the risk of dishwasher failure and spread of clogging to other components, allowing for autonomous recovery and improved cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
executing a drain operation for a predetermined drain time during which a drain pump is continuously or intermittently operated to drain water from a sump of the dishwasher
Implementation Method 2
executing a circulation operation during which a circulation pump is continuously or intermittently operated to remove the clogging condition
Data Source
AI summary
A method for handling a clogging condition in a dishwasher may include detecting the clogging condition; upon detecting the clogging condition, interrupting a wash cycle of the dishwasher and executing a remedial operation to remove the clogging condition. The remedial operation may include executing a drain operation for a predetermined drain time during which a drain pump may be continuously or intermittently operated to drain water from a sump of the dishwasher; following the drain operation, executing a fill operation for a predetermined fill time during which a fill valve may be continuously or intermittently activated to add water to the dishwasher; and following the fill operation, executing a circulation operation during which a circulation pump may be continuously or intermittently operated to remove the clogging condition. A dishwasher and a control system for handling a clogging condition are also provided.