Dishwashing appliance and methods of operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face inaccuracies in water supply and drainage due to variations in manufacturing tolerances and wear, leading to excessive water consumption, noise, and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dishwashing appliance with multiple conductivity sensors at different levels within the tub, allowing for precise measurement of wash fluid flow rates by calculating the time taken for the fluid to reach these sensors, enabling accurate control of water supply and drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time-based control with premeasured reference values is used for water supply and drainage, then the system operation is simple, but manufacturing tolerances and wear cause inaccurate water supply and drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring the actual flow rate through the water supply valve and drain pump during operation, then using this measured data to adjust control timing. Flow sensors monitor real-time flow rates, and the controller modifies the duration of valve and pump operation based on actual performance rather than fixed premeasured values, thereby compensating for manufacturing tolerances and wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely time-based mechanical control with a sensor-based measurement system. Instead of relying on pre-calculated timing sequences, the system uses flow sensors to directly measure water and waste fluid flow rates, substituting mechanical timing assumptions with actual physical measurements to achieve more precise control.
2Reliability
If water supply valve is opened longer to accommodate variations, then individual valve variations are accommodated, but excessive water is added for each filling cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses flow sensors to provide real-time feedback on water flow rate during the filling cycle. The controller monitors the actual amount of water supplied and adjusts the valve operation timing based on this feedback, ensuring that the tub receives the exact required volume without overfilling, thereby reducing water consumption while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-adjustment by automatically measuring its own flow rate and modifying its operation accordingly. The flow sensors and controller work together to allow the water supply system to self-regulate, optimizing water usage without requiring external intervention or manual calibration.
3Reliability
If drain pump operates longer to accommodate variations, then individual pump variations are accommodated, but excessive drain pump operation generates noise and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control for the drain pump by using flow sensors to monitor the actual waste fluid flow rate during drainage operation. The controller adjusts the pump operation duration based on this real-time feedback, stopping the pump when the required drainage volume is achieved rather than running for a fixed extended period, thereby reducing noise while ensuring reliable drainage.
4Ease of operation
If time-based control is used, then the control method is simple, but the ability to drain only a specific amount of water is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains operational simplicity by using the existing controller and adding flow sensors that provide automatic feedback. The controller continues to manage the drainage process in a straightforward manner, but now uses real-time flow rate measurements to precisely calculate when the target drainage volume has been reached, enabling accurate volume control without complicating the overall control logic.
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 ensures consistent and accurate water supply and drainage, reducing water consumption, minimizing noise, and optimizing operational efficiency by adjusting flow rates based on real-time sensor data.
Implementation Method 1
a base conductivity sensor mounted at a first level within the tub, and an elevated conductivity sensor mounted at a second level within the tub
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwashing appliance, including methods of operation, is provided. The dishwashing appliance may define a vertical direction and include a tub, a base conductivity sensor mounted at a first level within the tub, and an elevated conductivity sensor mounted at a second level within the tub, the second level being higher along the vertical direction than the first level.