Dishwasher Ozone Monitoring With Feedback Wash Chamber Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dishwasher appliances lack effective monitoring and control mechanisms for ozone levels in the wash chamber, which is crucial for maintaining hygiene and compliance with regulatory standards during ozone-assisted cleaning and sanitizing cycles.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher appliance equipped with an ozone sensor, processing device, and adjustable fluid or air flow systems that measure ozone levels and adjust the flow rate of wash fluid or air to maintain predetermined ozone concentrations, ensuring efficient cleaning and sanitizing while adhering to regulatory limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ozone is introduced into the wash chamber to improve cleaning efficiency and hygiene, then cleaning effectiveness and sanitization are improved, but ozone levels may exceed safe regulatory limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where an ozone sensor continuously monitors ozone levels in the wash chamber and sends signals to the controller. The controller adjusts the ozone generator operation based on this feedback to maintain ozone levels within safe regulatory limits while ensuring effective sanitization. This closed-loop control prevents both insufficient sanitization and excessive ozone accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (ozone generation rate, fluid flow rate) based on real-time ozone level measurements. The controller modulates the ozone generator and pump operations to maintain ozone concentration within the optimal range for sanitization effectiveness while staying below harmful thresholds, thus adapting parameters to balance efficacy and safety.
2Use of energy by moving object
If ozone is used during wash or rinse cycles to decrease thermal energy requirements, then energy efficiency is improved, but precise control of ozone levels is needed to ensure compliance with regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system using ozone sensors provides real-time monitoring and automatic adjustment of ozone generation, enabling precise control of ozone levels. This allows the system to maintain effective ozone concentrations for energy-efficient cleaning while ensuring compliance with regulatory limits through continuous measurement and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or粗放式 (coarse) ozone control with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors and processors to precisely regulate ozone levels. This substitution of mechanical/manual control with electronic feedback control enables the precision required for both energy efficiency and regulatory compliance.
3Reliability
If an ozone sensor and control system are added to the dishwasher, then ozone level monitoring and compliance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages the wash cycle, controls the pump, operates the ozone generator, and processes sensor data for compliance monitoring. By making the controller multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated control units, thus managing complexity while achieving reliable ozone level monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the ozone monitoring, control, and compliance functions into an integrated system where the existing controller is extended to handle sensor inputs and automated ozone regulation. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable compliance monitoring.
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 system effectively monitors and controls ozone levels within the wash chamber, enhancing cleaning efficiency, reducing thermal energy requirements, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, thereby improving hygiene and sanitization of dishes and utensils.
Implementation Method 1
An ozone sensor is configured for measuring an amount of ozone in the wash chamber of the cabinet
Implementation Method 2
A pump is in fluid communication with the spray arm assembly. The pump is configured for selective delivery of the fluid to the spray arm assembly
Implementation Method 3
An ozone generator is also in fluid communication with the spray arm assembly. The ozone generator is configured for selective generation of ozone
Implementation Method 4
A spray arm assembly applies a fluid to the articles in said rack assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter provides a dishwasher appliance that measures the amount of ozone in a wash chamber of the appliance. The appliance is also configured for adjusting the amount of ozone in the wash chamber based upon such measurements. The appliance may adjust the amount of ozone by, e.g., adjusting the flow rate of wash fluid to the wash chamber, adjusting the flow rate of air in the wash chamber, and/or adjusting the temperature of wash chamber. Related methods are also provided.