System for determining an operating state of a dishwasher and an according method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current washing systems, such as dishwashers, require numerous sensors for effective monitoring and control, leading to high installation and maintenance costs, which hinders broad market application due to the complexity and expense.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a dishwasher interface, a dispenser unit connected to the dishwasher for dosing detergent, a logic unit connected to both interfaces, and a current sensor measuring electrical current consumption, which calculates water usage based on energy consumption, reducing the need for direct water metering and simplifying maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed to monitor washing system parameters, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The current sensor serves multiple functions: it measures electrical current consumption to determine water usage, monitors operating states, and enables cost tracking. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors, reducing system complexity while maintaining monitoring precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrical current as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure water consumption. Instead of directly measuring water flow with complex flow meters, the system measures current (which correlates with water heating energy) and calculates water usage from that data, simplifying the measurement system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed to monitor washing system parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but maintenance effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The current sensor performs multiple monitoring tasks simultaneously (water usage measurement, operating state detection, energy consumption tracking), eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors that would each require maintenance. This reduces maintenance effort while preserving comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If direct water metering is implemented, then measurement precision of water usage is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses electrical current consumption as an intermediary to infer water usage. Since water heating is the dominant energy consumer in dishwashers, current measurement provides an accurate indirect measure of water usage without requiring expensive direct water metering infrastructure, improving cost efficiency while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical water flow measurement systems with an electrical measurement approach. By measuring electrical current and using logical calculations based on the relationship between power consumption and water heating, the system achieves water usage measurement without mechanical water meters, reducing cost and complexity.
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 enhances cost efficiency and reduces maintenance efforts by using indirect signals and a logic model to determine the operating state of the dishwasher, allowing for efficient logging and analysis of the cleaning process without the need for costly direct data point measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a current sensor for measuring an electrical current consumed by the dishwasher
Data Source
AI summary
A washing system for determining an operating state of a dishwasher (12) comprises a dishwasher (12), in particular wherein the dishwasher (12) comprises a dishwasher interface (14), a dispenser unit (26), in particular wherein the dispenser unit (26) comprises a dispenser interface (28), wherein the dispenser unit (26) is connected to the dishwasher (12) for dosing a detergent to the dishwasher (12), a logic unit (30), in particular wherein the logic unit (30) is connectable to the dishwasher interface (14) and the dispenser interface (28), and a current sensor (24) for measuring an electrical current consumed by the dishwasher (12), wherein the current sensor (24) is connected to the logic unit (30). By replacing costly water meters by a current sensor (24), the cost efficiency of the washing system (10) may be increased. In addition, the assembling and maintenance effort of the washing system (10) may be reduced.