Dishwasher Image-Based Diagnostics for Targeted Fluid Delivery
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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 inadequate cleaning in corners and increased noise, and existing attempts to improve efficiency have not fully addressed these issues.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher equipped with an imaging system that performs diagnostic operations such as level sensing, filter cleaning, and remote viewing, using a controller and imaging device to determine fluid levels and direct the controllable sprayer to focus wash fluid on specific areas and address issues like overflow and slow draining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If spray arms distribute wash fluid evenly across all areas, then all areas receive wash fluid, but resources are wasted and corner coverage is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from uniform spray arm distribution to localized, targeted fluid application. The imaging system identifies specific soiled areas and directs wash fluid precisely to those locations, making different parts of the washing system perform different functions based on actual need rather than uniform distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation-based spray arm system with an imaging and targeted delivery system. Instead of relying on mechanical rotation to achieve coverage, the system uses optical sensing to detect soiled areas and directs fluid application accordingly, substituting mechanical distribution with intelligent, vision-based control.
2Area of stationary object
If spray arms rotate to cover all areas, then broad coverage is achieved, but noise increases when spray jets hit tub sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by capturing images of the wash tub interior and analyzing them to identify soiled areas. This visual feedback loop allows the system to adjust fluid delivery in real-time, directing spray only where needed rather than rotating spray arms that may hit tub sides and create noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, pre-programmed spray arm rotation to dynamic, adaptive fluid delivery. The imaging system continuously monitors the wash tub and adjusts spray locations based on real-time conditions, making the system responsive to actual soiling patterns rather than following fixed mechanical paths.
3Extent of automation
If imaging system is added for diagnostic operations, then cleaning precision and automation improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system serves multiple functions: it detects soiled areas for targeted cleaning, monitors fluid levels, identifies filter status, and provides diagnostic information. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating multiple sensing and diagnostic capabilities into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate devices for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes in part a controllably-movable sprayer and a controller coupled to the controllably-movable sprayer and configured to control the controllably-movable sprayer to spray fluid onto one or more utensils disposed in a wash tub during a wash cycle. The controller is also configured to control the controllably-movable sprayer to spray fluid onto one or more walls of the wash tub by controllably-redirecting the controllably-movable sprayer to reorient one or more apertures of the sprayer away from the one or more utensils and towards the one or more walls.