Dishwasher Load Sensing via Water Uptake for Wash Program Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dishwashing machines rely on user input for wash program parameters, which can lead to operating errors, and existing automated systems lack precise information about the load to adapt wash programs effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures the initial and remaining amounts of water in the dishwashing machine to determine the surface area of dishes, combining this information with turbidity and heating speed to optimize wash program parameters without user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated systems are used to adapt wash program parameters, then user input is reduced and operating errors are minimized, but precise information about the load is still insufficient for effective adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual user input (mechanical/physical interaction) with automated optical sensing systems. The camera captures images of the loaded dishes, and image processing algorithms automatically determine the amount, distribution, and type of dishes, substituting the need for user input while gaining precise load information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a camera and image processing unit that mediates between the physical load of dishes and the control system. This intermediary captures visual information about the dishes and translates it into data about load characteristics, enabling automated adaptation without direct user input.
2Loss of information
If manual user input is required for wash program parameters, then information about the load can be provided, but operating errors increase and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically detecting and analyzing the loaded dishes without requiring user input. The camera and image processing algorithms allow the system to serve itself by gathering necessary information about the load independently, eliminating the need for user interaction while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual user input mechanisms with automated optical detection and image processing systems. This substitution eliminates the need for users to manually specify load characteristics, reducing operating complexity while maintaining or improving information accuracy about the dishes.
3Measurement precision
If existing sensing methods (turbidity sensor, heating speed measurement) are used, then some information about the load can be obtained, but precise information about the amount and distribution of dishes is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional measurements (turbidity, heating speed) to two-dimensional visual information capture using a camera. This dimensional change allows simultaneous detection of dish amount, distribution, type, and arrangement by capturing spatial information across the entire washing compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing intermediary that translates visual data into comprehensive load information. This intermediary extracts multiple parameters including dish amount, distribution patterns, and dish types from camera images, providing precise information that single-parameter sensors cannot deliver.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides accurate and adaptive wash program control, ensuring better cleaning results by accounting for the number and distribution of dishes, reducing the risk of operating errors and improving wash efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor (21) located at the bottom of the sump (11) for measuring the water level
Implementation Method 2
by operation of a pumping system water can be lead into a washing compartment
Implementation Method 3
The water is sprayed onto loaded dishes to dislodge food and soil particles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Method for controlling a dishwashing machine, in which by operation of a pumping system water can by lead into a washing compartment, wherein - a predetermined or subsequently determined first amount of water is admitted into the dishwashing machine, - a wetting of the washing compartment, especially loaded dishes, is effected using the first amount of water, wherein a part of the first amount of water remains within the washing compartment, - a water value describing a second amount of water not comprising the remaining part is measured, - by comparison of the water value or a quantity derived from the water value with at least one previously determined reference value based on the first amount of water and a certain surface of the dishes a computed value describing the actual surface and/or the initial wetness of the dishes is determined, - the dishwashing machine is controlled depending on the computed value.