Dishwasher and method for operating a dishwasher

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dishwashers are programmed to meet the most stringent hygiene guidelines worldwide, leading to excessive resource consumption in regions with less stringent standards, resulting in increased energy, water, and chemical usage.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher with a control device that stores multiple execution programs, allowing users to select programs tailored to specific territorial hygiene guidelines, adjusting parameters such as wash and rinse liquid temperatures, flow rates, and contact times to meet local standards, thereby optimizing resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the dishwasher is programmed to meet the most stringent hygiene guidelines worldwide, then hygiene compliance is improved, but resource consumption (energy, water, chemicals) increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehygiene complianceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dishwasher system dynamically adapts its operation by selecting from multiple pre-configured execution programs stored in the control device. Each program contains specific process parameters (temperatures, flow rates, contact times) tailored to different territorial hygiene guidelines. The system transitions from a static, single-program design to a dynamic, multi-program selection approach, allowing optimal resource utilization while maintaining compliance with local standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements parameter changes by storing multiple execution programs with varying process parameters in the control device. Each program defines specific temperature ranges, flow rates, and contact times appropriate for different territorial regions. The control device selects and applies the appropriate set of parameters based on the chosen execution program, thereby adjusting resource consumption to match the actual hygiene requirements of the operating location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the dishwasher is programmed to meet the most stringent hygiene guidelines worldwide, then hygiene compliance is improved, but water consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehygiene complianceVSAvoidwater consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts water consumption by selecting execution programs with region-specific parameters. The control device enables transition from a fixed, high-water-consumption program to a dynamic selection of programs that optimize water usage according to local hygiene standards, reducing unnecessary water expenditure while maintaining adequate hygiene compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies parameter changes by storing multiple execution programs with varying water flow rates and volumes in the control device. Each program specifies water consumption parameters appropriate for different territorial regions. By selecting the appropriate program, the system adjusts water consumption parameters to match actual local requirements, preventing excessive water usage while ensuring sufficient hygiene standards are met.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the dishwasher is programmed to meet the most stringent hygiene guidelines worldwide, then hygiene compliance is improved, but chemical usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehygiene complianceVSAvoidchemical usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The dishwasher system dynamically adapts chemical usage by selecting from multiple execution programs stored in the control device. Each program contains chemical dosing parameters tailored to different territorial hygiene guidelines. The system transitions from a static, high-chemical-consumption mode to a dynamic selection approach, optimizing chemical utilization while maintaining compliance with local standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements parameter changes by storing multiple execution programs with varying chemical dosing parameters in the control device. Each program defines specific chemical usage rates appropriate for different territorial regions. The control device selects and applies the appropriate chemical parameters based on the chosen execution program, thereby adjusting chemical consumption to match actual hygiene requirements and preventing unnecessary chemical expenditure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple execution programs are stored in the control device, then adaptability to different territorial guidelines is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to territorial guidelinesVSAvoidcontrol device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple execution programs with all necessary process parameters before operation. The control device stores complete, ready-to-execute programs for different territorial regions, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations or adjustments. This preliminary preparation simplifies the control logic while maintaining high adaptability, as the system only needs to select from pre-validated programs rather than dynamically optimize parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device achieves universality by incorporating a multi-program storage and selection capability that serves all territorial adaptation needs. Rather than implementing separate control systems for different regions, a single control device handles multiple execution programs, making the system universally applicable across different territorial guidelines while minimizing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach ensures compliance with local hygiene guidelines while reducing resource consumption, as the dishwasher only uses the necessary amount of energy, water, and chemicals required to meet the respective standards, preventing over-treatment of washware.

Implementation Method 1

The wash liquid contained in the wash tank can be conveyed from the wash pump to the spray nozzles via the line system and be sprayed onto the washware to be cleaned through the spray nozzles in the treatment chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

The final-rinse liquid contained in the final-rinse tank can be conveyed from the final-rinse pump to the spray nozzles via the final-rinse line system and be sprayed onto the washware to be cleaned through the spray nozzles in the treatment chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 3

a first execution program and also at least one further second execution program are stored in the control device, wherein the first execution program has been created taking into account requirements for hygienic operation of a commercial dishwasher which are applicable in a first territorial region, wherein the second execution program has been created taking into account requirements for hygienic operation of a commercial dishwasher which are applicable in another, second territorial region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2877074B1Dishwasher and method for operating a dishwasher
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 PREMARK FEG LLC
  • EP2877074B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2877074B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A dishwasher (2.1, 2.2) has at least one wash system for spraying wash liquid and at least one final-rinse system for spraying final-rinse liquid, wherein a control device (50) is provided for actuating the at least one wash system and/or the at least one final-rinse system in accordance with a predefined execution program. To save on resources during operation, and meet the requirements for hygienic operation, which are defined in hygiene guidelines applicable locally (in a territorially delimited manner) at least a first execution program is stored in the control device (50), the execution program created taking into account requirements for hygienic operation which are applicable in a first territorial region, and at least a second execution program is stored in the control device (50), the second execution program created taking into account requirements for hygienic operation which are applicable in a second territorial region.