Dishwasher Operating State Detection via Current Sensing
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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 and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a dishwasher interface, a dispenser unit, a logic unit, and a current sensor connected to the power supply line to measure and analyze electrical current consumption, allowing for indirect determination of water and energy usage, thereby reducing the need for costly direct measurement tools like water meters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors (water meters, temperature sensors) are installed to monitor and control the washing system, then the effectiveness and control capability of the washing solution is improved, but the installation time, cost, and maintenance effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the monitoring function from multiple separate sensors and concentrates it into a single current sensor that measures electrical current consumption. By analyzing current patterns, the system derives information about water temperature, water volume, and operating states without needing separate physical sensors for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The current sensor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors power consumption, determines water temperature levels, measures water volume, and detects operating states. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
2Loss of information
If numerous sensors are installed for acquiring washing system information, then the data management and control capability is improved, but the installation and maintenance cost becomes too time-intensive for broad market application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electrical current as an intermediary parameter that indirectly provides information about water temperature, water volume, and system state. Instead of directly measuring each parameter with dedicated sensors, the system uses current consumption patterns as a mediator to infer multiple operating parameters, significantly reducing the sensor infrastructure needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in electrical current parameters to detect changes in operating states. By analyzing variations in current magnitude and patterns over time, the system determines water temperature levels, water volume consumed, and transitions between different washing phases without requiring direct measurement of each physical parameter.
3Measurement precision
If a considerable number of sensors are installed to acquire washing system information, then the monitoring accuracy is improved, but the maintenance effort and system complexity increase permanently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the monitoring function from multiple separate sensors and concentrates it into a single current sensor that measures electrical current consumption. By analyzing current patterns, the system derives information about water temperature, water volume, and operating states without needing separate physical sensors for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing electrical power supply infrastructure to provide monitoring data. The current sensor leverages the electrical current already flowing through the system to generate monitoring information, eliminating the need for additional dedicated measurement devices and their associated maintenance 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
This approach enhances cost efficiency and reduces maintenance efforts by enabling the logging and analysis of cleaning processes with reduced technical complexity, allowing for the determination of the operating state of the washing system without the need for separate water meters.
Implementation Method 1
a current sensor (24) connected to the logic unit (30) for measuring a value of a current parameter (A)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
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.