Dishwasher Filter Clog Detection Using Water Level Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers often experience clogging of filters, leading to reduced water flow and potential damage to the circulation pump due to air suction when the filter becomes overwhelmed with food soils, which existing technologies fail to detect and address effectively during wash cycles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a water level sensor or pressure sensor to detect deviations in water level and flow rate, triggering remedial operations such as switching to lower spray arm operation, adding water, or pulsing the circulation pump to clear clogs, and resuming the wash cycle once the issue is resolved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter is used to separate food soils from wash water, then the wash water can be recirculated, but the filter becomes clogged with soils and prevents or slows water passage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of clogging conditions by monitoring water level and flow rate deviations before the filter completely blocks water passage. Remedial operations are initiated in advance to prevent total clogging, maintaining both separation function and water flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors water level and flow rate through sensors, compares actual values against expected values, and uses this feedback to detect clogging conditions. Based on the feedback, the control device automatically initiates remedial operations to clear the filter, resolving the contradiction between maintaining separation function and preserving water flow rate.
2Productivity
If the circulation pump operates continuously to recirculate water, then washing efficiency is maintained, but the pump sucks in air when water level drops and may become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects water level drops and clogging conditions before the pump runs dry or sucks in air. By initiating remedial operations in advance—such as adjusting spray arm operation or adding water—the system prevents pump damage while maintaining continuous washing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The water level sensor provides continuous feedback on water level and flow conditions. When deviations indicate potential pump starvation, the control device responds by adjusting pump operation or initiating remedial actions, ensuring both washing efficiency and pump safety are maintained through closed-loop control.
3Reliability
If remedial operations are executed to clear filter clogs, then the clogging condition is removed, but the wash cycle must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system executes brief, targeted remedial operations that quickly clear clogs without requiring long interruptions. By using focused actions like pulsing the circulation pump or directing spray jets at the filter for short durations, the system removes clogging conditions while minimizing wash cycle time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial remedial actions tailored to the severity of clogging. For minor clogs, brief pump pulsing or localized spray cleaning suffices. For more severe clogs, the system escalates to more intensive but still time-limited operations. This graduated approach removes clogs efficiently while minimizing interruption to the overall wash cycle.
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
Effectively detects and removes filter clogs, preventing pump damage and ensuring continuous operation by anticipating and addressing clogging conditions, thus enhancing dishwasher reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring at least one of a water level during execution of the wash cycle (e.g., with a pressure sensor) or a rate at which the water level changes
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for detecting and removing a clogging condition of a filter in a dishwasher. According to one embodiment, the method includes determining a normal water level or a normal rate of water level change for a wash cycle of the dishwasher and monitoring a water level or a rate of water level change during execution of the wash cycle. The method further includes detecting the clogging condition of the filter by detecting a deviation thereof. A current position of the wash cycle being executed may then be determined. The method further includes executing a remedial operation to facilitate removal of the clogging condition and determining if the clogging condition has been removed. Finally, the method includes resuming operation of the dishwasher at a wash cycle position based on the current position if the clogging condition has been removed.