Dishwasher Operating State Detection via Current-Based Water Estimation
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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 a logic unit and a current sensor that measures electrical current consumption, allowing for the determination of the operating state by calculating water usage based on energy consumption, thereby 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 and control the washing system, then the effectiveness of washing solution usage is improved, but the installation cost and maintenance effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water meter from the system and replaces it with a current sensor that measures electrical current consumption. By measuring the current consumed by the heating element, the system can calculate water usage indirectly without requiring a physical water meter, thus reducing the number of sensors needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation method that uses electrical current consumption as a mediator to determine water usage. Instead of directly measuring water flow, the system measures electrical current and uses a predetermined relationship between current consumption and water usage to infer water usage, reducing the need for direct water measurement sensors.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are installed to acquire washing system information, then the control effectiveness is improved, but the installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the water meter from the sensor list and replaces it with a current sensor that can be easily installed on the electrical power line. This extraction reduces the number of sensors that need to be physically installed within the washing system, thereby reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical water meter with an electrical measurement approach. Instead of installing a mechanical sensor in the water flow path, the system uses an electrical current sensor to measure power consumption, which is then used to calculate water usage. This substitution significantly reduces installation complexity and time.
3Measurement precision
If direct water metering is used to determine water usage, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrical current consumption as an intermediary parameter to determine water usage. By establishing a predetermined relationship between current consumption and water usage, the system can accurately infer water usage without directly measuring water flow, thereby avoiding the complexity and maintenance issues associated with water meters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mathematical model that copies the relationship between electrical current consumption and water usage. Instead of directly measuring water flow, the system uses the electrical measurement as a proxy or copy that reflects water usage patterns, simplifying the measurement system while maintaining accuracy.
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 logging and analysis of the cleaning process with reduced technical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a current sensor for measuring a current consumed by the dishwasher
Data Source
AI summary
A washing system for determining an operating state of a dishwasher comprises a dishwasher, in particular wherein the dishwasher comprises a dishwasher interface, a dispenser unit, in particular wherein the dispenser unit comprises a dispenser interface, wherein the dispenser unit is connected to the dishwasher for dosing a detergent to the dishwasher, a logic unit, in particular wherein the logic unit is connectable to the dishwasher interface and the dispenser interface, and a current sensor for measuring an electrical current consumed by the dishwasher, wherein the current sensor is connected to the logic unit. By replacing costly water meters by a current sensor, the cost efficiency of the washing system may be increased. In addition, the assembling and maintenance effort of the washing system may be reduced.