Dishwasher diverter valves with continuous calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diverter valves in dishwashers face challenges in maintaining accurate positioning over time due to wear and tear, leading to impaired operation as pre-set control variables become less effective with altered operating parameters.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a diverter valve assembly with a cam having protrusions of varying angular lengths, a protrusion sensor to detect these protrusions, and a controller that updates average activation times based on the sensor's output signals to continuously calibrate the diverter valve's position, ensuring precise control of liquid flow patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-set control variables are used to control the diverter valve, then the initial operation is accurate, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates over time due to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual activation times of the diverter valve and compares them against expected values. When deviations are detected due to wear or parameter changes, the system automatically adjusts the control variables to compensate, maintaining positioning accuracy throughout the dishwasher's operational life
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts control parameters based on detected changes in diverter valve performance. By modifying activation times and positioning commands in response to measured deviations, the system compensates for wear and parameter drift without requiring manual recalibration
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the diverter valve operates for an extended lifespan, then durability is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to accumulated wear and parameter changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration measurements during normal operation to detect early signs of wear or parameter changes. By identifying deviations before they significantly impact performance, the system can proactively adjust control variables to maintain accuracy throughout the extended lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
Continuous monitoring of activation times and positioning feedback enables the system to detect and compensate for wear accumulation over time, maintaining positioning accuracy across the entire operational lifespan of the diverter valve
Data Source
AI summary
Diverter valves and associated dishwashers with continuous calibration are provided. An example dishwasher includes a diverter valve assembly. The diverter valve assembly is configured to output a signal having a plurality of pulses. Each of the plurality of pulses has an activation time indicative of movement of the diverter valve assembly into one of a plurality of positions. The dishwasher performs operations including receiving the signal from the diverter valve assembly and determining a current activation time associated with the most recent pulse exhibited by the signal. The operations include determining a current position of the plurality of positions based at least in part on the current activation time and a plurality of average activation times respectively associated with the plurality of positions. The operations include, after determining the current position, updating the average activation time associated with the current position based at least in part on the current activation time.