Dishwasher providing notification for replacing filter and method of providing a notification for replacing a filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwashers do not provide intuitive notifications for replacing air filters based on time of use or number of uses, making it difficult for users to know when the filter needs replacement.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher system that includes a notification mechanism to alert users when the air filter needs replacement, based on accumulated operation time or number of uses, and optionally communicates this information to a mobile device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the filter state is merely displayed as in related art, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user cannot intuitively know when the filter needs replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUser ability to know when filter needs replacementVSAvoidNotification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by monitoring filter usage through operation time accumulation and usage count tracking, then providing notifications when replacement thresholds are reached. This closes the information loop between filter degradation and user awareness, solving the problem of users not intuitively knowing when replacement is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by tracking and accumulating filter usage data before the filter actually degrades to a non-functional state. Notifications are issued in advance based on predetermined time or usage thresholds, allowing users to replace filters proactively before performance deterioration occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If filter replacement notifications are not transmitted to mobile terminals as in related art, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user cannot receive timely notifications

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTime delay in notifying user about filter replacementVSAvoidCommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a communication device as an intermediary to transmit filter replacement notifications from the dishwasher to the user's mobile terminal. This mediator enables timely remote notification without requiring complex direct connection mechanisms, bridging the gap between the appliance and the user effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system provides feedback by delivering real-time notifications to users' mobile devices when filter replacement is needed. This extends the feedback mechanism beyond the appliance display to the user's personal device, ensuring timely awareness and action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the dishwasher does not track operation time and usage count, then the device complexity is reduced, but the filter replacement timing cannot be determined accurately

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveFilter replacement timing accuracyVSAvoidMonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary tracking of operation time and usage count throughout the filter's service life. By continuously accumulating this data before replacement is needed, the system establishes an accurate baseline for determining when the filter has reached its effective lifespan, enabling precise replacement timing decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system provides continuous feedback on filter usage through time tracking and usage counting. This data feedback mechanism enables the system to accurately determine filter replacement timing by comparing accumulated usage against predetermined thresholds, ensuring replacements occur at optimal intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4238472B1Dishwasher providing notification for replacing filter and method of providing a notification for replacing a filter
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4238472B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4238472B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4238472B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher and a method for providing a notification for replacing a filter. To this end, the dishwasher according to the present disclosure can continue to accumulate operation time of an air blowing fan of the dishwasher, and when total accumulative operation time is predetermined time or greater, can output a notification for replacing a filter through a display or a speaker, making it possible to determine the timing of the replacement of the filter accurately.