Dishwasher and controlling method thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashers create blind spots where washing water does not reach the edges of rectangular washing tubs due to the rotation type nozzle assemblies, leading to incomplete washing and increased washing time and energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher with a vane assembly that moves between two positions within the tub, changing the path of the washing water to ensure it reaches the edges, and a controller that detects the vane assembly's position and movement time to optimize its movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If rotation type nozzle assemblies are used to spray washing water, then the nozzle assemblies can be disposed at upper and lower sides of an upper dish basket and at an upper side of a lower dish basket, but a blind spot is formed where sprayed washing water does not reach edges of the washing tub

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle assembly disposalVSAvoidwashing coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the vane assembly movable between a first position (adjacent to the nozzle assembly) and a second position (at the other end of the vane guide). This movement allows the vane assembly to dynamically redirect washing water flow, enabling the water to reach the edges of the washing tub that would otherwise be blind spots, thereby improving washing coverage without changing the fixed disposal of the nozzle assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the vane assembly moves between first position and second position to change progression path of washing water, then washing water can reach edges of the washing tub, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing coverageVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing the vane assembly as a mediating element between the nozzle assembly and the dishes. The vane assembly redirects the washing water flow path without requiring complex mechanical structures or multiple nozzle assemblies. This simple intermediary component effectively extends water coverage to the tub edges while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the controller detects movement time and stops vane assembly movement when time is equal to or greater than reference time, then energy consumption is reduced, but washing coverage may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidwashing coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the periodic action principle by implementing a time-based control mechanism where the controller monitors the movement time of the vane assembly and stops the movement when the time reaches or exceeds a predetermined reference time. This periodic stopping allows the system to achieve adequate water redistribution across the tub while conserving energy, balancing washing coverage with energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

The solution allows for efficient washing of all areas within the tub, reducing washing time and energy consumption by ensuring thorough coverage of the tub's edges, thereby improving cleaning efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a vane assembly that is moved between a first position and a second position of an inside of the tub and changes a progression path of the washing water so that the sprayed washing water can be directed toward the dishes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow redirection:

Implementation Method 2

The position identification member may include a permanent magnet that generates a magnetic field, and the position detection sensor may include a hall sensor that senses the magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 3

a pump that generates a washing water pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure generation: Pump

Implementation Method 4

a plurality of nozzle assemblies that spray washing water toward the dish basket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh pressure spray: Jet

Data Source

PatentUS11089937B2Dishwasher and controlling method thereof
Publication Date: 2021.08.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11089937B2 patent drawing
  • US11089937B2 patent drawing
  • US11089937B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dishwasher includes a tub that accommodates dishes; a nozzle assembly that sprays washing water; a vane assembly that is moved between a first position and a second position of an inside of the tub and changes a progression path of the washing water so that the sprayed washing water can be directed toward the dishes; and a controller that moves the vane assembly to the second position if the vane assembly is disposed at the first position. When a linear washing portion washes a small quantity of dishes by spraying washing water while making a reciprocal motion in part of an inside of a washing chamber, a washing time can be reduced, and concentrated washing can also be performed.