Dishwasher Flood and Leak Detection Using Parallel Sensor Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwasher appliances face challenges with flooding and leaks, as existing flood detection systems like float sensors affect water flow and are prone to nuisance tripping, while leak detection systems do not actively control the appliance to prevent damage.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher appliance with a pressure sensor, tub lip sensor, and leak pan sensor connected in parallel, which activates the drain pump when excess water is detected at the tub lip or in the leak pan, ensuring timely corrective action and preventing flooding or leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If float sensors are used to detect flood events, then flood detection capability is improved, but water flow through the sump area is affected and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flood detection function from the sump area by placing sensors in alternative locations (tub lip, leak pan, or upper sump region) that do not interfere with water flow through the sump, thereby maintaining both detection capability and water flow efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate sensor locations (tub lip sensor, leak pan sensor) that serve as mediators between the flood detection requirement and the water flow path, allowing detection without direct interference in the sump area
2Reliability
If float sensors are located in the manual filter chamber, then flood detection is achieved, but the volume of soiled water that can be collected is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flood detection sensor from the manual filter chamber and relocates it to alternative positions (tub lip, leak pan, or upper sump region), freeing up the filter chamber to collect full volumes of soiled water without sensor interference
3Reliability
If leak pans with sensing devices are used to collect leaking wash fluid, then leak collection is achieved, but feedback is used passively and normal operation continues while wash fluid overflows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements active feedback control where leak pan sensors continuously monitor for leaks and automatically trigger corrective actions (drain pump activation, cycle termination, or alarm) when leaks are detected, transforming passive leak collection into an active prevention system that protects against overflow damage
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service leak prevention by automatically detecting and responding to leaks without requiring user intervention, actively managing the leak situation through automated drain pump control and cycle management
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
The system effectively detects and prevents flooding and leaks without compromising dishwasher performance, providing timely activation of the drain pump to prevent water overflow and damage, thus enhancing user safety and appliance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
pressure sensor mounted to the sump... determine whether a pressure sensor output of the pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a first pressure threshold
Implementation Method 2
tub lip sensor... determine whether the tub lip sensor has sensed wash fluid at or proximate the tub lip
Implementation Method 3
leak pan sensor... determine whether the leak pan sensor has sensed wash fluid in the leak pan
Implementation Method 4
activate the drain pump... drain pump for draining wash fluid from the dishwasher appliance
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher appliance that includes features for prevention and detection of flood events and leaks without sacrificing performance or efficiency of the dishwasher appliance is provided. Moreover, methods for detecting and preventing such flood events and leaks are also provided.