Dishwasher Filter Clogging Detection Using Drain Pump Motor Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting dishwasher filter clogging, such as monitoring the current drawn by the circulation pump, can lead to erroneous conclusions as a reduced load may indicate either filter clogging or insufficient water in the washing compartment, resulting in inadequate water circulation.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that measure the operating current of the drain pump motor to determine filter clogging by comparing it to predetermined threshold values, ensuring accurate differentiation between clogged filters and insufficient water conditions, using a shunt resistor to calculate current and translate it into drain pump torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current drawn by the circulation pump is monitored to detect filter clogging, then filter clogging can be detected, but erroneous conclusions may be drawn when insufficient water is present in the washing compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the detection function from the water circulation function by using a dedicated drain pump instead of the circulation pump. This segmentation allows independent measurement of filter clogging status without interference from water volume variations in the washing compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain pump acts as an intermediary device that specifically tests the filter condition by attempting to drain water from the sump. Its motor current serves as an indirect but reliable indicator of filter clogging, decoupled from the main water circulation system.
2Productivity
If a circulation pump is used to detect filter clogging, then filter status can be monitored, but the detection may be affected by variations in water volume in the washing compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the filter detection function from the water circulation system and places it in the drainage system. The drain pump and sump form a separate subsystem dedicated to filter status monitoring, eliminating interference from washing compartment water volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the circulation pump (which moves water around the system) to detect filter clogging, the invention inverts the approach by using the drain pump (which removes water from the sump) to detect filter condition. This inversion provides a more direct and reliable measurement.
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 provides a reliable method to detect filter clogging without misinterpreting water volume issues, ensuring accurate assessment of filter status and maintaining optimal dishwasher performance.
Implementation Method 1
This may easily be indirectly measured by measuring the voltage of a known shunt resistor in the motor and calculating the current by using Ohm's law.
Implementation Method 2
Measured current can be directly translated into drain pump torque; the higher the torque, the higher the operating current of the motor driving the pump
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of, and a device for, detecting clogging of a dishwasher filter. The device is arranged to drain the dishwasher on process water, measure operating current of a motor driving a dishwasher drain pump and determine whether the dishwasher filter is clogged based on the measured drain pump motor operating current.