Dishwasher Feedback-Based Cycle Optimization for Cleaning Quality

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Dishwashing machines lack effective mechanisms to adapt and improve their performance based on user feedback, leading to inconsistent cleaning quality, noise levels, and cycle duration, which can be unsatisfactory for users.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that solicits user input on dishwasher performance characteristics, identifies unsatisfactory aspects, and adjusts operational parameters such as wash pump pressure, cycle duration, and rinse aid usage, incorporating user preferences to optimize subsequent cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the dishwashing machine operates with fixed operational parameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning quality and user satisfaction become inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system solicits user feedback on cleaning quality and other performance characteristics after each cycle, then uses this feedback to automatically adjust operational parameters for subsequent cycles, creating a closed-loop system that improves cleaning quality without requiring complex manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The operational parameters (water temperature, spray pressure, cycle duration) are made dynamically adjustable based on user feedback rather than being fixed, allowing the system to adapt to varying user preferences and loading conditions while maintaining reasonable system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the dishwashing machine adjusts multiple operational parameters based on user feedback, then the adaptability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional user interaction requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment of operational parameters automatically based on user feedback, eliminating the need for users to manually configure multiple settings. The machine serves itself by learning from user responses and making appropriate parameter adjustments without requiring user expertise or time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the system collects and processes user feedback on multiple performance characteristics, then the measurement precision improves, but the loss of time increases due to additional solicitation steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidloss of time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system solicits user feedback on specific performance characteristics that are most relevant to operational parameter adjustment, rather than requiring comprehensive evaluation of all possible parameters. This partial action approach gathers sufficient data for effective adjustment while minimizing the time burden on users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10905304B2User interface for appliance cycle optimization

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A method of operating an appliance including determining user satisfaction with an operation cycle, adjusting at least one operational parameter of the cycle based on the user satisfaction, and incorporating the adjusted operational parameter into a subsequent cycle is disclosed along with the apparatus including a processor configured to perform the method.