Dishwasher Image-Based Diagnostics for Remote Start Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dishwasher spray arm systems are inefficient as they waste resources by evenly distributing wash fluid across all areas, leading to incomplete cleaning, especially in corners, and generate unnecessary noise due to untargeted spray jets.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher equipped with an imaging system that includes a controller and imaging device to perform diagnostic operations such as level sensing, filter cleaning, and fluid management, allowing for precise control of wash fluid distribution and targeted cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spray arms rotate to distribute wash fluid evenly 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 applies local quality by using multiple fixed spray jets positioned at specific locations (including corners) rather than a rotating spray arm that distributes fluid uniformly. Each spray jet is strategically positioned to target specific areas, providing localized washing intensity where needed while avoiding unnecessary fluid distribution in already-clean areas, thus eliminating resource waste while improving corner cleaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating spray arm system is segmented into multiple fixed spray jets positioned at different locations within the wash tub. This segmentation allows each jet to independently target specific zones (including corners), replacing the single rotating component with multiple stationary components that collectively provide more effective and resource-efficient coverage
2Reliability
If spray arms rotate to cover all areas, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but corners are not covered thoroughly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions specific spray jets at corner locations and along walls to provide concentrated washing intensity in these difficult-to-reach areas. This localized targeting ensures thorough corner coverage without requiring the spray arm to rotate extensively, thereby improving corner cleaning performance while maintaining washing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The washing system is divided into multiple fixed spray jets positioned at strategic locations including corners, walls, and central areas. This segmentation allows simultaneous targeted cleaning of multiple zones including corners, achieving comprehensive coverage more efficiently than a single rotating spray arm
3Reliability
If spray jets are directed to sides of wash tub during rotation, then all areas are covered, but unneeded noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed spray jets are positioned and angled to direct wash fluid precisely at utensils and rack surfaces without contacting the wash tub sides. This localized directing of spray jets eliminates the noise generated by spray jets striking tub walls during rotation, while still achieving effective wash fluid distribution across all necessary areas
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher, comprising: a wash tub; a sprayer configured to spray fluid within the wash tub; an imaging device configured to capture images within the wash tub; and a controller coupled to the imaging device and configured to perform a remote start of a wash cycle in the dishwasher in response to receiving a remote start command from a remote device by: controlling the imaging device to capture one or more images within the wash tub; initiating communication of the captured one or more images to the remote device for viewing on the remote device; waiting to receive a confirmation from the remote device; and starting the wash cycle in response to receiving the confirmation from the remote device.