Dishwasher Nozzle Clog Detection Through Pump Pause Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers face difficulties in determining whether nozzles are clogged and in efficiently cleaning them, leading to performance deterioration and odor issues due to impurities in recycled wash fluid.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher control method that involves pumping wash water and spraying it through nozzles, with the operation of the washing pump terminated for a predefined time to unclog nozzles if they are determined to be clogged, based on fluid level monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If wash fluid is recycled to reduce consumption, then wash fluid consumption is reduced, but nozzles get clogged with impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of nozzle clogging by monitoring fluid level changes during the washing cycle. Before the clogging severely affects washing performance, the control unit identifies the clogging condition and triggers a pump termination action to clear the nozzles, preventing performance deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing wash fluid circulation mechanism to self-clean the nozzles. By terminating the pump operation temporarily, the system allows accumulated impurities to settle and be cleared without requiring external cleaning resources or manual intervention, thus serving itself to maintain nozzle functionality.
2Ease of repair
If nozzles are cleaned by disassembling the dishwasher, then nozzles can be cleaned thoroughly, but the cleaning process becomes time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-cleaning of nozzles through automated pump control. The control unit monitors for clogging conditions and automatically terminates pump operation to clear nozzles, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and reassembly by users, thus making the system maintain itself without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary nozzle clearing by terminating the pump before severe clogging occurs. This preventive action clears impurities while the system is still operational, avoiding the need for later disassembly and making maintenance simpler and faster.
3Productivity
If the pump operates continuously to maintain washing performance, then washing performance is maintained, but clogged nozzles cannot be cleared
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic pump operation by alternating between pumping phases (for washing) and termination phases (for clearing nozzles). The control unit monitors fluid level changes and temporarily stops the pump when clogging is detected, allowing impurities to settle and be cleared, then resumes pumping to maintain washing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from fluid level monitoring to control pump operation. The control unit detects nozzle clogging through fluid level changes during the washing cycle and responds by terminating the pump to clear nozzles, then resumes operation when clearing is complete, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to nozzle conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher and a method of controlling a dishwasher are provided. Using this method of controlling a dishwasher, it is possible to quickly and precisely determine, during the washing of dishes, whether nozzles are clogged with impurities. It is also possible to easily address the problems associated with clogged nozzles by terminating the operation of a washing pump for a predefined amount of time, and then resuming the operation of the washing pump to clear obstructions from the nozzles.