Dishwasher Spray Zone Switching via Pump Current Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers face challenges in determining the switching state of additional spray devices due to the complexity and expense of installing sensors, which can lead to unreliable operation and poor cleaning results, especially when washing liquid pressure is low.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design that uses a control device to determine the switching state of a third spray device by measuring the difference in pump current between two hydraulic arrangements, allowing for self-calibrated and reliable operation without additional components, and adapts wash program parameters accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor is installed to detect the switching state of the third spray device, then the cleaning result is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing pump's current consumption as a self-indicating signal to determine the switching state of the third spray device. The control device calculates the difference in current consumption between different spray configurations, eliminating the need for external sensors while maintaining reliable detection of the spray device state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical sensor-based detection system with an electrical measurement system that monitors pump current. By measuring the electrical parameter (current) that naturally varies with the hydraulic load, the system substitutes complex mechanical sensing with simple electrical measurement already present in the pump circuit
2Reliability
If additional spray devices are activated to improve cleaning performance, then the cleaning result is improved, but the washing liquid pressure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the pump current and compares it against reference values stored in memory that correspond to different spray device configurations. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically detect when the third spray device is activated and adjust operating parameters to maintain adequate washing liquid pressure throughout the system
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (pump current, flow distribution) based on the detected switching state of the third spray device. By adjusting the pump's electrical input and hydraulic output based on real-time current measurements, the system optimizes washing liquid pressure distribution to accommodate additional spray devices while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
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
Enables reliable determination of the third spray device's switching state and improves cleaning performance by ensuring adequate washing liquid distribution and pressure, enhancing the overall operation of the dishwasher.
Implementation Method 1
a pump flow operable pumping device with which the first hydraulic arrangement and the second hydraulic arrangement can be acted upon with washing liquor
Implementation Method 2
determine a current switching state of the third spraying device as a function of a difference in the pump current between when washing liquor is applied to the first hydraulic arrangement and when washing liquor is applied to the second hydraulic arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a dishwasher (1), more particularly a household dishwasher, comprising: a first spray device (112), associated with a first hydraulic arrangement (110), for providing a first washing zone; a second spray device (122), associated with a second hydraulic arrangement (120), for providing a second washing zone, wherein a washing liquor can be supplied to the first hydraulic arrangement (110) and the second hydraulic arrangement (120) by a pumping device (140) operated using a pump current (142); and a third spray device (132) for providing an intensive washing zone associated with the first hydraulic arrangement (110) or the second hydraulic arrangement (120). The third spray device (132) has a first switching state and a second switching state. In the first switching state the third spray device (132) is separated from the associated hydraulic arrangement (110, 120) and in the second switching state is connected to the associated hydraulic arrangement (110, 120). The dishwasher also comprises a control device (150) which is designed to determine a current switching state of the third spray device (132) in accordance with a difference between the pump current (142) when washing liquor is supplied to the first hydraulic arrangement (110) and the pump current when washing liquor is supplied to the second hydraulic arrangement (120).