Dishwasher Pump Speed Control for Accurate Diverter Position Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwasher appliances face inaccuracies in determining the position of the diverter in fluid circulation systems due to susceptible pressure sensors, which can lead to false readings, especially when pumping low amounts of water at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the total amount of water supplied to the dishwasher, activate the pump at a predetermined speed based on this amount, measure the fluid pressure in the sump, and use these measurements to accurately determine the diverter position, ensuring reliable pressure readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pump operates at high speed to improve water circulation efficiency, then productivity increases, but measurement precision of water pressure deteriorates leading to false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary water circulation phase before the wash cycle begins, during which the pump operates at high speed to distribute water throughout the dishwasher. This preliminary action ensures that water is pre-positioned in the sump and circulation system, allowing for accurate pressure readings to be taken subsequently without requiring high-speed operation during the actual measurement phase.
2Productivity
If the pump operates at high speed with low water amount, then productivity increases, but reliability of diverter position determination deteriorates due to false pressure readings
Solution Approach 1:
The system executes a preliminary water distribution phase before the wash cycle, where the pump circulates water at high speed to ensure proper water distribution and sump water level. After this preliminary action completes, the system then accurately determines the diverter position by measuring water pressure during the subsequent wash cycle operation, when water is being continuously supplied at normal rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts pump operation based on the operational phase. During the preliminary phase, the pump operates at high speed for water distribution. During the wash cycle, the pump operates at variable speeds controlled by the diverter position, allowing the system to adapt its water circulation characteristics to the specific washing requirements while maintaining accurate diverter position detection.
3Ease of operation
If water pressure measurement is performed during normal operation, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variable pump speeds affecting pressure readings
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors water pressure during the wash cycle and uses this feedback to determine diverter position. The controller adjusts pump speed based on the measured pressure and the selected wash cycle, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal water circulation while accurately detecting diverter position throughout the washing operation.
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 guarantees accurate determination of the diverter position, enhancing the reliability of fluid circulation modes and improving washing performance by eliminating false readings associated with low-water, high-speed operations.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a fluid pressure of an amount of sump water provided within a sump of the dishwasher appliance after activating the pump at the predetermined speed
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a position of a diverter of a fluid circulation system in a dishwasher appliance includes determining a total amount of water supplied to the dishwasher appliance; activating a pump at a predetermined speed in response to determining the total amount of water supplied to the dishwasher appliance, the predetermined speed being based on the determined total amount of water; measuring a fluid pressure of an amount of sump water provided within a sump of the dishwasher appliance after activating the pump at the predetermined speed, the amount of sump water being at least part of the total amount of water; and determining a position of the diverter in response to measuring the fluid pressure of the amount of sump water, the position of the diverter being dependent on the measured fluid pressure.