Dishwasher Program Adaptation for Sorption Drying Device Failures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Household dishwashers face challenges in effectively cleaning and drying items when components of the drying device, such as a sorption drying device, are partially or completely defective, leading to unsatisfactory washing or drying results.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a control unit to skip, modify, or replace program phases, such as extending the cleaning phase, lengthening the drying phase, or employing alternative drying methods like condensation drying, to ensure items are cleaned and dried satisfactorily even with malfunctioning drying devices. This includes monitoring the drying device's functionality through sensors and adjusting the program accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the drying device is used to dry items, then drying effectiveness is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to component failures that prevent satisfactory drying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying effectivenessVSAvoiddrying device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit monitors the functionality of drying device components (heating device, fan, sorption material) before they fail completely. When degradation is detected, the system proactively adapts the washing program by extending the drying phase duration or modifying operational parameters, cushioning against complete drying failure and maintaining satisfactory drying results despite component aging or partial failure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If program phases are extended to compensate for drying device malfunctions, then drying effectiveness is maintained, but washing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying effectivenessVSAvoidwashing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically adjusts the washing program based on real-time monitoring of drying device functionality. When component degradation is detected, the system selectively extends only the drying phase duration or modifies specific operational parameters (temperature, fan speed) rather than extending the entire washing cycle, thereby maintaining drying effectiveness while minimizing additional time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the functionality of the drying device is monitored, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors operational parameters of the drying device (heating element resistance, fan motor current, temperature sensor readings) and compares them against expected values. When deviations indicating component degradation are detected, the system automatically adapts the washing program, providing reliable operation without requiring complex external monitoring systems or manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 method ensures that items are effectively cleaned and dried, even with defective drying device components, by adapting the washing program to compensate for malfunctions, thereby maintaining the dishwasher's performance and reducing the need for repairs.

Implementation Method 1

the washing liquor liquid - here usually water - is heated to a predetermined temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

during which the remaining liquid adhering to the items to be washed evaporates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

heat exchangers, for example in the form of cooling rods or cooling ribs or water-filled water pockets, on which the air humidity inside the dishwasher condenses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP2486837B1Dishwasher and method for operating the same
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2486837B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2486837B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The method involves executing programs for pre-wash phase, cleaning phase and drying phase sequentially. A sensor (19) is provided for monitoring a drying device (21). A control unit (20) is provided to skip the execution of program for drying phase or to replace program for drying phase with alternate program for evaporation phase, if malfunction of the drying device is detected. An independent claim is included for dishwasher.