Dishwasher Pump Monitoring for Leak and Foam Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher control systems fail to effectively detect malfunctions and incorrect usage throughout the entire wash cycle, particularly distinguishing between water circulation issues and leaks, and are unable to discern situations where water circulation is prevented due to upturned pots or bowls.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a virtual sensor system that monitors electromechanical quantities of motors, including the drain pump, to determine operating variables and detect malfunctions, allowing for real-time identification of anomalies and corrective actions during the wash cycle without dedicated physical sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a virtual sensor system monitoring electromechanical quantities is implemented, then malfunction detection capability is improved throughout the wash cycle, but device complexity increases due to additional monitoring and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual sensor that copies the functionality of physical sensors by processing electromechanical quantities (current, voltage, power) already available from motor operation. This virtual copy enables malfunction detection without adding physical sensing hardware, resolving the contradiction between improved reliability and reduced device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the motor's own electromechanical operating parameters to detect malfunctions, allowing the motor to serve dual purposes: driving the pump and providing diagnostic information. This self-service approach enables malfunction detection without additional sensors or complex external monitoring systems
2Measurement precision
If monitoring is extended to distinguish between different malfunction scenarios (upturned pots, leaks, foam), then measurement precision is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to subtle parameter variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wash cycle into distinct phases (water supply, washing, draining) and analyzes electromechanical parameters specific to each phase. This segmentation allows precise identification of malfunctions by comparing parameter patterns within each phase, reducing the difficulty of detecting subtle variations through contextual analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors electromechanical quantities and provides feedback by comparing actual values against expected ranges for each wash cycle phase. This feedback mechanism enables precise malfunction detection through iterative comparison, where deviations from normal parameter patterns indicate specific malfunction scenarios
3Productivity
If autonomous malfunction diagnosis is implemented, then productivity is improved through faster detection, but loss of information occurs when the system cannot discern between similar malfunction types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts monitoring thresholds and analysis methods based on the current wash cycle phase and observed parameter trends. This dynamic approach enables fast detection by adapting to changing operational conditions, while maintaining discrimination accuracy through context-aware parameter evaluation that prevents misclassification of similar malfunction types
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 quick and effective monitoring of dishwasher operating conditions, preventing potential flooding and improving wash performance by distinguishing between different malfunction scenarios, such as foam formation, clogged filters, and leaks, ensuring safe operation and extended pump life.
Implementation Method 1
one or more motors comprised in said dishwasher, including the motor associated with the drain pump
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting a malfunction situation of a dishwashing machine (1), which comprises a recirculation pump (31) and a drain pump (36) for a liquid contained in the tub (2). The machine is also equipped with a control unit (5,5') capable of acquiring and processing, at predetermined time intervals, at least one electromechanical quantity related to the operation of the motors of the pumps, so as to detect a malfunction situation, such as foam presence in the tub (2), water leakage from the drain and the like.