Dishwashing appliances and methods for addressing obstruction therein
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashing appliances face issues with obstructions and clogs in filter assemblies due to sediment accumulation, leading to performance impairment and potential damage, with users often unaware of or deviating from recommended cleaning schedules.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that includes a pressure sensor upstream of the drain pump to detect pressure changes and determine the condition of the filter, activating the drain pump for a specific period, receiving pump-status signals, and directing the pump based on the detected condition to prevent clogs and alert users when the filter needs cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter assembly is provided to filter wash fluid and protect the pump, then pump reliability is improved, but the filter assembly becomes prone to sediment accumulation and obstructions over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a pressure sensor to continuously monitor pressure differential across the filter assembly and provides feedback to the controller. When the pressure differential indicates sediment accumulation reaching a threshold, the controller generates a cleaning notification to the user, enabling timely maintenance before obstructions occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of filter condition through pressure monitoring before actual obstructions or performance degradation occur. By detecting sediment accumulation trends early, the system allows users to clean the filter proactively, preventing harmful clogs before they impact pump reliability.
2Productivity
If the filter assembly is regularly cleaned to prevent obstructions, then appliance performance is maintained, but users are often unaware of or deviate from recommended cleaning schedules
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors filter condition through pressure sensor feedback and provides timely cleaning notifications to users via display or mobile app alerts. This eliminates the need for users to remember or track cleaning schedules manually, ensuring maintenance occurs at the optimal time based on actual filter condition rather than fixed intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring of filter status and autonomously determines when cleaning is needed, then communicates this information to the user. This shifts the monitoring burden from user memory to automated system intelligence, enabling users to respond to actual needs rather than following predetermined schedules.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a pressure sensor and monitoring system are added to detect filter condition, then obstruction detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a pressure sensor to detect changes in fluid pressure differential across the filter assembly, which directly indicates sediment accumulation. This hydraulic measurement approach provides simple, reliable filter condition detection without requiring complex mechanical or electronic monitoring mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor acts as an intermediary element that translates physical filter condition (sediment accumulation) into an electrical signal that the controller can process. This intermediary measurement approach simplifies the detection mechanism while providing accurate, actionable data about filter status.
4Reliability
If the drain pump is activated for a specific period to monitor pump status, then obstruction detection is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates the drain pump periodically for short monitoring intervals rather than continuous operation. During these brief periods, the pressure sensor takes measurements to assess filter condition. This periodic monitoring approach provides necessary detection capability while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous pump operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial monitoring by activating the pump only for sufficient time to obtain pressure readings, not for full drainage cycles. This partial action provides adequate obstruction detection capability while avoiding excessive energy consumption that would result from prolonged or continuous pump activation.
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 solution effectively monitors and addresses filter clogs, preventing performance issues and damage by ensuring regular cleaning alerts and maintaining optimal fluid flow, thus extending the appliance's lifespan and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a pressure (P1) upstream from the drain pump during the activation period
Data Source
AI summary
Dishwashing appliances and methods, as provided herein, may include features or steps such as activating the drain pump for an activation period and receiving a pump-status signal during the activation period. Dishwashing appliances and methods may further include features or steps for detecting a pressure (P1) upstream from the drain pump during the activation period, determining a condition at the filter based on the pump-status signal and P1, and directing the drain pump based on the determined condition.