Dynamic dispensing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional commercial dishwashers have limitations in detergent concentration adjustment, failing to account for variability in washing chamber conductivity due to contaminants and water properties, leading to inefficient detergent usage and increased operating costs.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic detergent concentration adjustment system using sensors and a programmable logic controller to measure conductivity within the washing chamber and adjust detergent levels in real-time, ensuring optimal detergent usage and minimizing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional dishwashers use fixed detergent concentration determined at installation, then device complexity is reduced, but detergent usage efficiency deteriorates due to inability to account for conductivity variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where conductivity sensors continuously monitor the washing chamber fluid, and the controller adjusts detergent dispensing based on real-time conductivity readings. This closed-loop feedback mechanism optimizes detergent usage by accounting for variability in water composition and contaminants, directly improving detergent efficiency while managing system complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual detergent concentration adjustment with an automated electronic control system that uses conductivity measurement and programmable logic controllers. This substitution of mechanical/manual systems with electronic automation improves precision and adaptability while the programmable nature of the system keeps complexity manageable through software-based control algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If separate detergent sources are used without in situ measuring, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to account for real-time conductivity changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function by placing conductivity sensors directly in the washing chamber to monitor fluid properties in real-time. This separation of measurement from the main detergent storage system allows precise monitoring of actual detergent concentration and conductivity changes without requiring complex integrated dosing mechanisms, improving measurement precision while keeping the overall system structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses conductivity as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure detergent concentration. Rather than directly measuring detergent concentration which would require complex analytical instruments, the system uses conductivity measurements as a proxy that correlates with detergent concentration, providing accurate indirect measurement while maintaining system simplicity through the use of straightforward electrical measurement techniques.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed detergent dispensing is used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to adjust for water contaminants and conductivity variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting system where the dishwasher automatically monitors conductivity and adjusts detergent dispensing without user intervention. The programmable logic controller autonomously interprets sensor data and controls the dosing mechanism, providing adaptability to varying water conditions while maintaining ease of operation through complete automation that requires no manual adjustment by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, fixed detergent concentration system into a dynamic system that continuously adapts to changing conditions. The real-time conductivity monitoring and automated adjustment capability allow the system to respond to varying water composition, contaminants, and detergent consumption rates, providing versatility and adaptability while the automated nature maintains operational simplicity.
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
The system provides precise detergent concentration control, optimizing usage and reducing operating costs by dynamically adjusting based on changing conductivity conditions within the washing chamber.
Implementation Method 1
a tank sensor positioned within the washing chamber and configured to provide a signal indicative of a concentration of the additive in the fluid solution within the washing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products relating to a dynamic dispensing system. Embodiments may include a dishwasher including a washing chamber, a water supply, an additive supply, and a plurality of fluid supply lines that provide fluid communication between the water supply and the washing chamber and the additive supply and the washing chamber. The dishwasher includes one or more pumps that direct additives stored in the additive supply to the washing chamber and water from the water supply to the washing chamber. The dishwasher further includes a tank sensor within the washing chamber and a controller communicably coupled to the controller. The controller may receive and analyze signals from the tank sensor to determine an additive concentration within the washing chamber and cause additive or water to be added to the washing chamber in response to the signal.