Dishwasher Diverter Position Detection Using Sump Pressure Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwasher fluid circulation systems face blockages due to excess soil on filters, which requires cleaning, but existing solutions with electronic position sensors increase complexity and risk of leak points.
Innovation Solution
A method using a pressure sensor to determine the diverter position in a dishwasher fluid circulation system, allowing fluid circulation and filter cleaning without electronic position sensors, by measuring fluid pressure in the sump and switching between wash and filter cleaning modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electronic position sensor is used to determine diverter position, then the operating mode can be accurately determined, but the system complexity increases and additional leak points are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electronic position sensor from the system entirely. Instead of using a sensor to detect diverter position, the system uses the pump's operational characteristics and fluid dynamics to infer the diverter position indirectly, thereby extracting the problematic component while maintaining functional capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic sensing system with a mechanical/fluid-based detection method. The pump motor's electrical characteristics (current, power consumption) change based on the fluid flow conditions created by different diverter positions, allowing the controller to determine diverter position through electrical measurements rather than mechanical or electronic sensors
2Loss of information
If electronic position sensors and wiring are added to the system, then diverter position can be monitored, but the number of potential leak points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the wiring harness and electronic position sensor from the wet environment. By using the pump motor's electrical characteristics to infer diverter position, the system eliminates the need for additional wires running through the wash chamber, thereby removing potential leak points while preserving the ability to obtain diverter position information
3Productivity
If the pump operates at high power to circulate fluid quickly, then washing efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pump operation where the controller adjusts the pump motor's power consumption based on the detected diverter position and washing requirements. The pump can operate at different power levels (e.g., higher power when diverter is in wash position for rapid circulation, lower power when in filter cleaning position), optimizing the balance between productivity and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pump's operational parameters (power consumption, flow rate) based on the diverter position and washing cycle requirements. By monitoring electrical characteristics and adjusting pump output dynamically, the system adapts fluid circulation speed to match actual washing needs rather than operating at constant high power
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 simplifies the system by eliminating the need for electronic sensors, reducing complexity and potential leak points, while effectively cleaning filters and maintaining fluid circulation.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a fluid pressure in the sump with a pressure sensor while circulating the fluid and cleaning the filter
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a position of a diverter of a fluid circulation system in a dishwasher appliance includes measuring a fluid pressure in a sump of the dishwasher appliance while pumping fluid from the sump into a wash chamber of the dishwasher appliance via a first component when the diverter is in a first position. The method also includes measuring the fluid pressure in the sump of the dishwasher appliance while pumping the fluid from the sump to a filter cleaning manifold when the diverter is in a second position. Based on the measured fluid pressure, the method determines whether the diverter is in the second position.