Method for controlling dishwasher

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dishes made of materials with poor heat resistance, such as plastic, deform or change posture during washing in dishwashers due to high-temperature and high-pressure water, leading to reduced washing efficiency and noise.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dishwasher control method with separate courses for plastic and non-plastic items, setting lower maximum temperatures and pressures for plastic items, using a temperature sensor to regulate heating, and allowing user control via mobile apps or control panels to manage dishwasher operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high-temperature washing water is sprayed onto dishes to perform washing, then washing performance is improved, but plastic dishes may be deformed under the high temperature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing performanceVSAvoiddish shape
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The dishwasher controller dynamically adjusts the water temperature based on the detected dish material. When plastic dishes are detected, the controller lowers the water temperature to a safe range, while maintaining high temperature for other materials to ensure optimal washing performance for each material type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the temperature parameter of washing water according to the dish material detected. By identifying plastic materials and adjusting the temperature parameter accordingly, the system prevents deformation while maintaining effective washing for non-plastic materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high-pressure spray is used to wash dishes, then washing performance is improved, but the position of lightweight dishes may be displaced and posture may be changed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing performanceVSAvoiddish position and posture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The dishwasher controller dynamically adjusts the spray pressure based on the detected dish material and weight characteristics. When lightweight plastic dishes are detected, the controller reduces spray pressure to prevent displacement and posture changes, while maintaining high pressure for heavier materials to ensure thorough washing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the pressure parameter of washing water according to the dish material detected. By identifying plastic materials and adjusting the pressure parameter accordingly, the system prevents position displacement and posture changes while maintaining effective washing performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If a general washing course is used for all dishes, then washing efficiency is maintained, but plastic dishes may be damaged due to high temperature and pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoiddish integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The washing course is segmented into different modes based on dish material detection. The system divides the general washing process into plastic-specific washing and general washing, allowing optimized parameters for each material type to be applied separately, preventing damage to plastic while maintaining efficiency for other materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the temperature and pressure parameters of the washing course based on the detected dish material. By identifying plastic materials and adjusting parameters accordingly, the system prevents damage while maintaining washing efficiency for non-plastic materials through the same segmented course structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If drying process is always performed, then dish dryness is ensured, but washing time and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedish drynessVSAvoidwashing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drying process is dynamically adjusted based on the detected dish material. When plastic dishes are detected, the system may reduce or skip the drying process since plastic dishes do not require high-temperature drying for sanitization, thereby reducing total washing time and power consumption while still ensuring adequate dryness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the drying parameters or duration based on the dish material detected. For plastic materials, the drying parameter is reduced or omitted, while maintaining full drying for materials that require it, optimizing both time and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Effectively prevents deformation and posture changes of plastic dishes, reduces washing time, and conserves power by optionally omitting the drying process, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a heating device connected to the controller and configured to heat the washing water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a temperature sensor connected to a controller and configured to sense a temperature of the washing water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 3

a pump for supplying the washing water stored in the sump to the spray arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP4670606A1Method for controlling dishwasher
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4670606A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4670606A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4670606A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for controlling a dishwasher according to an embodiment may comprise the steps of: a control unit receiving a command for executing a plastic course, from among washing courses, for washing dishes made from material of plastic; the control unit receiving a command for a sub-process of the plastic course; and washing the dishes according to the plastic course and sub-process thereof received by the control unit.