Dishwasher Image-Based Diagnostics for Targeted Spray Control
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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 of utensils, especially in corners, and generate unnecessary noise due to untargeted spray jets.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher equipped with an imaging system that performs diagnostic operations such as level sensing, filter cleaning, and foam detection, using a controller to analyze images of the wash tub to optimize fluid distribution and direct the sprayer for precise cleaning.
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 coverage, but resources (time, energy, water) are wasted and cleaning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using multiple independently controllable spray jets instead of a single rotating spray arm. Each spray jet can be independently directed at specific locations (e.g., corners, centers) of the wash tub, allowing wash fluid to be concentrated where needed rather than evenly distributed. This resolves the contradiction by enabling precise local fluid application that improves cleaning effectiveness while reducing overall water and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the spray system controllable and adaptable rather than fixed and rotating. The spray jets can be dynamically directed to different positions and activated selectively based on detected utensil locations and wash requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize fluid distribution in real-time, preventing resource waste while ensuring adequate coverage of all areas.
2Area of stationary object
If spray arms follow a circular path to cover all areas, then broad coverage is achieved, but corner coverage is insufficient and cleaning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the wash tub into multiple zones (e.g., corners, centers, sides) and assigning specific spray jets to target each zone. Instead of relying on a single rotating spray arm that must follow a circular path, the system uses multiple stationary or independently movable spray jets positioned to cover specific areas. This segmentation enables precise corner coverage while maintaining overall tub coverage, resolving the contradiction between broad coverage and localized precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by directing specific spray jets at specific locations such as corners with higher intensity or duration. Each spray jet can be independently controlled to provide tailored cleaning to different areas based on their specific needs, rather than applying uniform circular motion. This enables superior corner coverage while maintaining comprehensive area coverage.
3Quantity of substance
If spray jets are directed to sides of wash tub during rotation, then all areas receive fluid, but unnecessary noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by selectively activating spray jets based on real-time conditions rather than continuous rotation. The system can dynamically control which spray jets are active and their direction, allowing fluid to be directed only at utensils or targeted areas rather than continuously spraying at tub sides during rotation. This reduces noise from fluid impacting tub walls while maintaining adequate fluid coverage where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using sensors to detect utensil positions and wash cycle progress, then adjusting spray jet activation and direction accordingly. This feedback control ensures spray jets are directed at utensils rather than tub sides, preventing unnecessary noise generation while maintaining effective wash fluid coverage. The system adapts its fluid distribution based on actual wash needs rather than following a fixed rotational pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher and method utilize an imaging system to perform various diagnostic operations within the dishwasher, including one or more of level sensing, filter cleaning, wash tub rinse down, foam detection, imaging system cleaning, and remote viewing. A controller may clean a filter by controllably-redirecting a controllably-movable sprayer to spray fluid onto the filter.