Dishwasher Closure Element Position Detection via Circulation Pump Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing changeover devices in dishwashers have complex structures and high production costs due to the need for sensor systems to detect the closure element's position, which complicates fault detection and increases assembly efforts.
Innovation Solution
A method where the closure element is actively driven by a control device to a reference position, using performance values like pressure, load angle, or vibration of the circulating pump to determine its position, eliminating the need for direct sensors and simplifying the device structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotation-speed sensor on the circulating pump is used to detect the closure element's position, then the position can be determined reliably, but the device structure becomes highly complex and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position detection function from the changeover device itself and relocates it to the circulating pump. By using the pump's existing rotation-speed sensor to detect closure element position indirectly through fluid flow characteristics, the complex sensor systems and guiding elements are removed from the changeover device, reducing its structural complexity while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the circulating pump as an intermediary between the closure element and the detection system. The pump's rotation speed serves as a mediator that translates the closure element's position into a measurable signal, eliminating the need for direct sensors in the changeover device and simplifying its structure
2Measurement precision
If additional sensor systems are installed in the circulating pump region to detect closure element position, then position detection is enabled, but production costs and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the circulating pump multi-functional by having it serve both its primary function of transporting rinsing fluid and the secondary function of detecting closure element position. The existing rotation-speed sensor on the pump is utilized for dual purposes, eliminating the need for additional dedicated sensors and reducing both production costs and assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The circulating pump performs self-service by using its own operational characteristics (rotation speed) to provide position detection information. The system leverages the pump's inherent operational data to determine closure element position without requiring external detection infrastructure, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and assembly requirements
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
Enables quick and reliable detection of the closure element's position after a fault incident, reducing assembly complexity and costs by using existing components, and allowing for seamless program resumption without additional orientation steps.
Implementation Method 1
The signal value can be a performance value of the circulating pump, for example pressure, load angle, or vibration
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device are provided for detecting the position of a closure element of a movement reversal device in a dishwasher. The device determines the position of a closure element via a comparison of a value corresponding to a predefined reference position of the closure element with a signal value of a circulation pump of the dishwasher.