Dishwasher tag system having dissolvable component for indicating completion of a wash and clean cycle when placed within a rack of a dishwasher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher monitoring systems do not effectively indicate the completion of a wash cycle or the cleanliness of dishes to the user in a clear and user-friendly manner.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher rack tag with a dissolvable patch that changes from a 'DIRTY' to a 'CLEAN' indicia upon completion of the wash cycle, using a water/heat-activated material that is securely attached to the dishwasher rack, allowing for visibility of the clean status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a dissolvable patch is used to indicate clean condition, then visual indication clarity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The tag is segmented into two functional parts: a reusable body and a consumable dissolvable patch. The patch contains the visual indication elements (DIRTY/CLEAN text and color indicators) and is separated from the main tag body, allowing it to be replaced or dissolved independently while the body remains intact for continued use.
Solution Approach 2:
The dissolvable patch is designed as a disposable component that is inexpensive to manufacture and replace. It contains the visual indication information and is intended to be consumed (dissolved) after a single use cycle, eliminating the need for complex electronic indicators or reusable visual elements.
2Measurement precision
If electronic components are added to indicate wash completion, then monitoring precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic monitoring systems with a passive chemical/physical indication system. Instead of using sensors, microcontrollers, or electronic displays to indicate wash completion, the system uses a dissolvable material that automatically changes state (dissolves) in response to the wash environment, providing clear visual feedback without any electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tag system is self-indicating and requires no external power source, control system, or user intervention to indicate wash status. The dissolvable patch automatically responds to the wash conditions and provides visual feedback through its dissolution and color change, eliminating the need for complex monitoring infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If a dissolvable material is used for the patch, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen if the material does not dissolve properly
Solution Approach 1:
The dissolvable patch is engineered with specific material properties that change in response to wash parameters (temperature, pH, moisture). The material composition is selected to ensure reliable dissolution at the specific temperature and chemical conditions of the wash cycle, transforming the patch from a stable solid to a dissolved state that reveals the clean indication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch is constructed from composite materials that combine dissolvable components (such as water-soluble polymers or gelatin) with heat-resistant components (such as a semi-rigid plasticizer or stabilizer). This composite structure ensures the patch dissolves reliably under wash conditions while maintaining its structural integrity during handling and storage.
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
Provides a clear visual indication to the user that the wash cycle has been completed and the dishes are clean, ensuring user satisfaction and cycle integrity without additional electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
A patch of material 12 is formed upon the surface of the tag body and which may be constructed of a dissolvable material. The patch is caused to be dissolved upon activation of a wash cycle of the dishwasher
Implementation Method 2
The body can also exhibit a thin planar configuration not limited to a rectangular outline with rounded edges and can also be constructed of a semi-rigid and heat resistant material
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a tag for placement within a dishwasher to indicate at least one of a running of a dishwasher run cycle and/or a clean condition of items placed within the dishwasher upon completion of the cycle. A tag body is supported within an interior rack location of the dishwasher so that a surface of the body is visible. A patch of material is formed upon the surface of the tag body and constructed of a dissolvable material. The patch is caused to be dissolved upon activation of a wash cycle of the dishwasher to indicate the clean condition of the items adapted to being placed in the dishwasher.