Dishwasher Hood Movement Control Using Manual Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively opening and closing the cleaning chamber, particularly in commercial settings, due to complex and expensive wiring requirements and sensitivity to environmental influences, leading to potential disruptions and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device equipped with an electromechanical drive and sensor system that detects manual force to control the movement of the covering device, allowing for simple, user-friendly opening and closing of the cleaning chamber without the need for additional switches or sensors, utilizing a traction-means transmission and incremental encoder for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate buttons or switches are provided for hood movement control, then the actuating elements can be positioned as desired, but the wiring becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single control panel with a unified electronic control unit. The control panel integrates hood movement control, cleaning cycle selection, and monitoring functions, eliminating the need for separate wired buttons and switches throughout the device. This merging approach maintains operational accessibility while dramatically reducing wiring complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel serves multiple functions: it controls hood movement, selects cleaning cycles, monitors device status, and provides user feedback. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate control elements and wiring systems, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and wiring complexity.
2Device complexity
If the hood movement is triggered solely via the control panel, then wiring is simplified, but the operator must leave their work position to initiate hood movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic control unit as an intermediary that processes signals from the control panel and automatically executes hood movement commands. This mediator enables simplified wiring while maintaining operator convenience, as the control panel can be positioned within easy reach and the electronic control unit handles the automation without requiring operator movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the control panel, positioned within the operator's reach, directly controls hood movement through the electronic control unit. The operator can initiate hood movement without leaving their work position, and the system automatically manages the movement sequence, combining wiring simplicity with operational convenience.
3Extent of automation
If complex sensors are used for automatic triggering, then automation is improved, but the system becomes sensitive to environmental influences and prone to false triggering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, robust control elements in the control panel rather than complex, sensitive automatic sensors. This approach prioritizes reliability in the harsh commercial dishwasher environment over high-level automation. The simple control elements are less prone to false triggering from environmental factors like heat, moisture, and vibration, while still providing sufficient automation for hood movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex automatic sensing systems with a simplified electronic control system that responds to deliberate user input through the control panel. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with sensitive automatic sensors while maintaining adequate automation through the electronic control unit's ability to process control panel inputs and execute hood movement sequences.
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 enables intuitive and safe operation of dishwashers by eliminating the need for complex wiring and expensive sensors, reducing costs and operational disruptions, while ensuring efficient movement of the covering device through the detection and assistance of manual force.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor, in particular in the form of an incremental encoder, which is designed to detect a working direction and/or a movement of the electromechanical drive
Implementation Method 2
the covering device can be moved in an opening movement direction from a closed position into an open position or in a closing movement direction from an open position into a closed position by means of at least one electromechanical drive
Implementation Method 3
via at least one transmission, in particular via a traction-means transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a cleaning device for cleaning items to be cleaned. The cleaning device has at least one cleaning chamber and at least one covering device at least partially surrounding the cleaning chamber. The covering device can be moved in an opening movement direction from a closed position into an open position or in a closing movement direction from an open position into a closed position by means of at least one electromechanical drive via at least one transmission. The cleaning device furthermore has a sensor, which is designed to detect an action of a manual force on the covering device in the opening movement direction or in the closing movement direction. The cleaning device is furthermore designed to control the electromechanical drive in accordance with the detection of the action of the manual force.