Dishwasher Heater Sensing During Paused Water Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face inefficiencies in detecting heater errors and monitoring the operational state of the heater, leading to unnecessary power consumption and delayed detection due to the need for prolonged electric power supply during water circulation.
Innovation Solution
A controlling method for the dishwasher that includes a heater sensing step where the water circulation is stopped, allowing for temperature comparison before and after the heater operation, with power cutoff if the temperature difference is outside a preset range, enabling rapid detection of the heater's operational state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water circulation is maintained during heater error detection, then the heater can be continuously protected, but the temperature detection is delayed and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by stopping water circulation temporarily during heater error detection. The control unit pauses the water circulation process, activates the heater for a predetermined time, then measures the temperature change. This periodic interruption allows rapid temperature detection without continuous water flow, resolving the contradiction between reliable detection and time loss.
2Reliability
If water circulation is maintained during heater error detection, then continuous washing function is preserved, but energy consumption increases due to prolonged power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by temporarily suspending water circulation during heater detection. The control unit stops the circulation pump, supplies power to the heater for a predetermined time, measures temperature change, then restores circulation. This periodic approach enables accurate heater status detection while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous circulation with heater monitoring.
3Loss of time
If water circulation is stopped during heater sensing, then rapid temperature detection is achieved, but washing process is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by stopping water circulation before heater activation during error detection. This preliminary pause in circulation allows the heater to rapidly heat the water without immediate heat loss from circulation, enabling quick temperature detection. The washing process is then restored, balancing detection speed with productivity.
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 method prevents unnecessary power consumption and rapidly senses the operational state of the heater, improving energy efficiency by cutting off power when the heater is not functioning correctly.
Implementation Method 1
a heater provided in a path for wash water (generally, under the washing tub or in the sump) to heat the wash water
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor provided in the heater assembly to sense whether the temperature of the heated wash water reaches a target temperature or whether the heater operates in an abnormal mode
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed a controlling method of a dishwasher comprising a water supply step for supplying wash water, a preliminary washing step for injecting the wash water to one or more dishes, a main washing step for injecting the wash water mixed with washing liquid to the dishes, a rinsing step for injecting the wash water to the dishes, and a heating step for heating the wash water in one or more of the preliminary washing step, the main washing step and he rinsing step, wherein a heater sensing step for determining an operational state of a heater heating the wash water is performed in the heating step in a state where the circulation of wash water is stopped.