Dishwasher Sensor Array for Controlled Sequential Detergent Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic dishwashing machines face challenges with inconvenient detergent filling, inaccurate dosing, and potential spillage, especially with corrosive detergents, and existing devices react only to simple inputs like temperature, lacking sensitivity to varying wash conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system using semiconductor diodes and capacitance plates to monitor multiple parameters such as water presence, temperature, turbidity, and light levels, enabling controlled sequential dosing of detergent reagents based on real-time wash cycle conditions, ensuring optimal detergent release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual detergent filling is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of dosing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect wash conditions and triggers detergent dispensing without manual intervention. The controller autonomously determines when and how much detergent to dispense based on sensor feedback, making the system self-sufficient in terms of dosing decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor wash conditions (temperature, turbidity, water presence) and provide feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts detergent dispensing based on this real-time feedback, ensuring accurate dosing that adapts to actual wash cycle requirements.
2Device complexity
If manual detergent filling is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when detergent dispensing is needed based on sensor readings and triggers the dispensing mechanism, eliminating the need for manual filling operations that cause spillage and waste.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical filling operations are replaced with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors to detect conditions and electronically controls the dispensing mechanism, reducing human handling and associated spillage.
3Device complexity
If simple temperature-based dispensing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs multiple functions: detecting water presence, measuring temperature, assessing turbidity, and monitoring light levels. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to various wash conditions and cycle types without requiring separate specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensors provide comprehensive feedback about wash conditions to the controller, enabling the system to adapt detergent dispensing to the specific requirements of different wash cycles, soil levels, and water conditions.
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to monitor wash conditions, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor functions are integrated into a unified sensor system that communicates with a single controller. The sensors are combined in a coordinated arrangement where each sensor monitors specific parameters and all inputs are processed together to determine detergent dispensing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed as a multi-functional unit that can detect various wash conditions using different sensing principles, allowing precise measurement of multiple parameters while presenting a unified interface to the control system.
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
The sensor system allows for precise and sensitive detergent dosing, adapting to different wash cycles and machine types, improving cleaning efficiency while minimizing detergent handling and spillage, and maintaining robustness and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one semiconductor, preferably a diode
Implementation Method 2
capacitance plates to monitor multiple parameters such as water presence
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a low cost sensor array suitable for use in a ware washing machine, preferably a dish washing machine. The invention also relates to a standalone detergent dispensing device comprising the low cost sensor array. The sensor systems are intended to allow monitoring of wash cycles such that controlled sequential dosing of reagents in wash cycles can be optimized. A device comprising such a sensor system may then be able to sense the conditions of the wash and dose reagents in their optimal sequence in the wash.