Dishwasher Load Detection for Adaptive Wash Program Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers have inefficiencies in energy, water, and detergent consumption due to fixed washing programs, which do not adapt to varying loads or types of dishes, leading to suboptimal cleaning and drying results.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher equipped with a crockery detection device featuring multiple evaluation modules that use sensors and control parameters to precisely identify and quantify different types of dishes, allowing the control device to adapt the washing program based on material type and load composition, optimizing energy and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed washing program is used, then the control device is simple to operate, but energy and water consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The dishwasher automatically detects the load characteristics using sensors and evaluation modules, then autonomously selects and adapts the washing program without requiring user input. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions based on detected crockery types, quantities, and materials, eliminating the need for users to manually program wash cycles while optimizing energy and water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device dynamically adjusts washing parameters such as water temperature, spray pressure, cycle duration, and detergent dosage based on the detected load characteristics. Different crockery materials (glass, metal, plastic) trigger different parameter settings to achieve effective cleaning while minimizing resource consumption.
2Reliability
If multiple wash programs are stored for different load types, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor the washing container during loading and provide feedback signals to the control device. The evaluation modules analyze these signals to detect crockery types, quantities, and materials, then the control device uses this feedback information to automatically select the appropriate washing program, eliminating the need for users to manually choose between multiple pre-stored programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual program selection with an automated detection and control system using sensors, evaluation modules, and electronic control logic. This substitution of mechanical/user-based selection with electronic detection and automatic control simplifies the user interface while maintaining multiple washing program capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dish detection device is added, then washing program adaptation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into separate functional modules: sensors for detecting load characteristics, evaluation modules for analyzing sensor signals and detecting crockery types, and a control device for adapting the washing program. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall system manageable and maintainable.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, having a wash tub for receiving dishes during a wash cycle, having a dish reception device for receiving the dishes put into the wash tub, and a control device for controlling the course of the wash cycle depending on the received dishes. Thereby, it is provided that the dish reception device has a plurality of evaluation modules, which are designed each for receiving a dish type consisting of a similar material by means of the signals of at least one sensor and/or by means of at least one control parameter of the control device.