Dishwasher and method of controlling the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dishwashers face challenges in quickly stopping the circulation pump operation and transitioning to drainage pump operation when the door is opened during a washing cycle, leading to potential water discharge issues.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher system comprising a circulation pump, a drainage pump, a driving current supply unit, and a controller that detects door opening and adjusts the current supply to stop the circulation pump and initiate the drainage pump operation, utilizing a three-contact point switching circuit and microprocessors to manage the transition efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the circulation pump continues to operate when the door is opened, then the washing operation can be maintained, but water may be discharged to the outside causing safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater discharge preventionVSAvoidpump stopping speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The door opening detection unit detects door opening before water discharge occurs, and the driving current supply unit is pre-configured to immediately stop the circulation pump upon receiving the detection signal, preventing water discharge to the outside

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The door opening detection unit provides real-time feedback to the driving current supply unit about the door state, enabling the circulation pump to be stopped immediately when the door is opened, thus preventing water discharge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the circulation pump is stopped quickly when the door is opened, then water discharge is prevented, but the transition to drainage pump operation may be delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater discharge preventionVSAvoiddrainage pump operation delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The driving current supply unit is pre-configured with switching circuitry that can immediately transition from supplying current to the circulation pump to supplying current to the drainage pump upon receiving the door opening detection signal, eliminating transition delay

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The door opening detection unit, controller, and driving current supply unit are integrated into a unified control system where the detection signal simultaneously triggers both the circulation pump stop and drainage pump start, eliminating sequential delay

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables rapid cessation of the circulation pump and preparation for drainage pump operation when the door is opened, preventing water spatter and overflow, thus ensuring safe and efficient water management during washing cycles.

Implementation Method 1

a door opening detection unit that detects opening of a door and, when opening of a door is detected, transmits door opening detection signals to the controller and the driving current supply unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoor opening detection:

Implementation Method 2

when the door opening detection signals are received while the driving current is supplied to the circulation pump, the driving current supply unit may stop supply of the driving current to the circulation pump and may supply the driving current to the drainage pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical current control:

Implementation Method 3

a circulation pump that supplies water to nozzles; a drainage pump that discharges the water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP2921097B1Dishwasher and method of controlling the same
Publication Date: 2017.07.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2921097B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2921097B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2921097B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A dishwasher (1) includes a circulation pump that supplies water to nozzles; a drainage pump (151) that discharges the water; a driving current supply unit that supplies a driving current to one of the circulation pump and the drainage pump; a controller that transmits driving control signals to the driving current supply unit (130); and a door opening detection unit (110) that, if opening of a door (11) is detected, transmits door opening detection signals to the controller and the driving current supply unit (130), wherein, if the door opening detection signals are received while the circulation pump (141) operates, the driving current supply unit stops supply of the driving current to the circulation pump (141) and supplies the driving current to the drainage pump (151).