Dishwasher Image-Based Detergent Sensing for Targeted Spray Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dishwasher spray arm systems are inefficient as they waste resources by equally distributing wash fluid across all areas, leading to incomplete cleaning of utensils, especially in corners, and generate unnecessary noise due to untargeted spray jets.
Innovation Solution
An image-based detergent sensor and controllable sprayer system that captures images of detergent type and location within the dishwasher to optimize wash cycles by directing fluid precisely for effective detergent dissolution and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional spray arms distribute wash fluid equally across all areas, then all areas receive wash fluid coverage, but resources (time, energy, water) are wasted and cleaning performance in corners is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements controllable sprayers that can be independently directed to specific locations within the wash tub, allowing wash fluid to be concentrated precisely where needed (such as corner areas) rather than uniformly distributed. This enables different parts of the wash tub to receive customized spray patterns and fluid volumes, improving cleaning performance in previously underserved areas while reducing overall water and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses controllable sprayers with adjustable direction and positioning capabilities, allowing the spray pattern to dynamically adapt to the specific loading configuration and soil distribution in the wash tub. The sprayers can be repositioned and redirected during different phases of the wash cycle to optimize fluid delivery to areas requiring the most cleaning attention.
2Area of stationary object
If spray arms rotate in a circular path to cover all areas, then wash fluid reaches multiple zones, but corners are not covered thoroughly and spray jets hit tub sides causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the single rotating spray arm with multiple independent controllable sprayers positioned at different locations within the wash tub. Each sprayer can be independently controlled to target specific zones, eliminating the need for a single circular rotation path and allowing precise coverage of corner areas without spray jets striking the tub sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The system substitutes the mechanical rotation mechanism of traditional spray arms with electronically controlled sprayers that use motors or actuators to adjust positioning and direction. This replacement of purely mechanical rotation with controlled actuation allows for more precise and flexible spray pattern management, eliminating noise from tub side impacts.
3Ease of operation
If wash cycles use fixed parameters for all detergent types, then the system is simple to operate, but cleaning efficiency is suboptimal for specific detergent formulations
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an image sensor that automatically detects and identifies the type of detergent loaded in the wash tub. Based on this detected information, the control system automatically adjusts wash cycle parameters such as water temperature, spray patterns, and cycle duration to optimize cleaning performance for the specific detergent formulation, eliminating the need for manual user input while maximizing cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent detection and cycle optimization process occurs automatically without requiring user intervention. The image sensor autonomously identifies the detergent type, and the control system self-adjusts the wash parameters accordingly, making the system both easy to operate and highly efficient across different detergent formulations.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes an image-based detergent sensor that in some instances is configured to sense a type of detergent for use in optimizing a wash cycle based upon the type of detergent, and that in some instances is configured to direct one or more controllable sprayers to facilitate dissolution or mixing of detergent into a wash fluid during a wash cycle.