A dishwasher comprising a dirt sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dirt sensors in dishwashers become ineffective over time due to dirt accumulation, leading to unsuitable washing programs and inadequate cleaning, as they are not regularly cleaned.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design that includes a cleaning line and headpiece to direct pressurized water from the sump onto the dirt sensor, along with a control unit to automatically determine and initiate cleaning based on dirtiness data, and a connection and fixing member for easy detachment and fixing of the cleaning line, ensuring the dirt sensor is regularly cleaned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the dirt sensor is continuously operated to detect dirtiness rate, then the washing program selection is improved, but the sensor becomes ineffective due to dirt accumulation on the sensor surface
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning of the dirt sensor by directing water flow from the salt container through the cleaning line onto the sensor surface before dirt accumulation interferes with measurement. This preventive cleaning action maintains sensor reliability while preserving its measurement precision for detecting actual dishwater dirtiness levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The dirt sensor cleans itself by utilizing the water flow that is already present in the system from the salt container. The water naturally flows through the cleaning line and onto the sensor, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms or manual intervention, thus maintaining both measurement accuracy and operational reliability.
2Reliability
If a cleaning line is added to direct water onto the dirt sensor, then the sensor cleaning function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water flow system serves dual functions: it delivers water to the washing tub for the washing process and simultaneously cleans the dirt sensor through the cleaning line. This multi-functionality approach maintains sensor reliability without adding significant complexity, as the same water source and circulation system are utilized for both washing and sensor cleaning purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning line is integrated with the existing water circulation system, merging the sensor cleaning function with the water delivery system. By combining these functions into a unified water flow path from the salt container, the patent avoids creating entirely separate cleaning mechanisms, thus limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving effective sensor cleaning.
3Loss of time
If the control unit automatically determines when to clean the sensor based on dirtiness data, then the cleaning timing is optimized, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback from the dirt sensor regarding water dirtiness levels and uses this information to determine optimal cleaning timing. When the sensor detects that the water has reached a certain dirtiness threshold, it triggers the cleaning operation. This feedback mechanism optimizes cleaning timing to coincide with when it is most needed, reducing unnecessary cleaning operations while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the dirtiness measurements taken by the sensor itself to determine when cleaning is required, rather than relying on external scheduling or manual input. The sensor's own data serves as the trigger for its cleaning, creating a self-regulating system that optimizes cleaning timing based on actual operating conditions without requiring complex external control logic.
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 automatic cleaning of the dirt sensor ensures accurate dirtiness rate detection, leading to improved washing performance and consistent cleaning quality by preventing sensor malfunction.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning line (10) with one end connected to the inlet opening (9) and the other end opening onto the dirt sensor (8), thereby enabling the water coming through the inlet opening (9) to be delivered onto the dirt sensor (8)
Implementation Method 2
a headpiece (11) which is provided on the end of the cleaning line (10) opening onto the dirt sensor (8) and which provides the spraying of the water onto the dirt sensor (8) with the water entering the sump (7) being pressurized
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2); a washing tub (3) which is disposed on the body (2) and wherein the items to be washed are placed; a plurality of spraying members (4) which provide the distribution of the water received from the mains into the washing tub (3); a water pocket (5) for accumulating the water received from the mains; a salt container (6) which enables the water coming from the water pocket (5) to be softened; a sump (7) which is disposed under the washing tub (3) and which accumulates the softened water coming from the salt container (6) and the water distributed into the washing tub (3) by the spraying member (4); and a dirt sensor (8) which is disposed on the sump (7).