Dishwasher Sensor-Based Cycle Selection to Reduce Resource Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers inefficiently use resources such as electricity, water, and detergent due to the inability to accurately determine the dirtiness of the washing load, often requiring lengthy cycles or multiple cycles to achieve cleanliness, and users may not select the optimal washing cycle.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher equipped with sensors, such as cameras or optical sensors, that conduct a test washing cycle to assess the dirtiness of the load and automatically select optimal washing cycle parameters like duration, water temperature, and detergent quantity based on the comparison of initial and final cleanliness, allowing for tailored resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed washing cycle is used regardless of load dirtiness, then the washing mechanism is simple to operate, but resource efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary water, electricity, and detergent consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine automatically detects the dirtiness level of the washing load using sensors and autonomously selects the appropriate washing cycle parameters without user intervention. The system self-adjusts water temperature, washing duration, and detergent dosage based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual cycle selection while optimizing resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sensors to continuously monitor the washing load characteristics and provides feedback to the control mechanism. Based on this feedback regarding dirtiness level, the controller dynamically adjusts washing parameters such as cycle duration, water temperature, and detergent dosage, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy and resource efficiency.
2Reliability
If a thorough washing cycle is used for all loads, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but washing time increases unnecessarily for lightly soiled items
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine transitions from static, fixed washing cycles to dynamic, adaptive cycles that adjust in real-time based on sensor detection. The system dynamically modifies washing duration, intensity, and temperature according to the actual dirtiness level of each load, ensuring thorough cleaning for heavily soiled items while reducing time for lightly soiled items.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key washing parameters such as cycle duration, water temperature, and agitation intensity based on the detected dirtiness level. For lightly soiled loads, the system reduces washing time and temperature, while for heavily soiled loads, it increases these parameters to ensure effective cleaning, thereby optimizing both cleaning effectiveness and time efficiency.
3Device complexity
If standard detergent dosage is used for all washing loads, then the washing process is simple to control, but resource efficiency deteriorates due to excessive detergent use on lightly soiled items
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts the detergent dosage parameter based on sensor-detected dirtiness levels. The controller automatically modifies the amount of detergent released into the washing machine according to the actual cleaning needs of the load, reducing detergent consumption for lightly soiled items while ensuring adequate dosage for heavily soiled loads, thereby optimizing chemical resource efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If manual selection of washing cycles is allowed, then user control is maintained, but optimal cleaning cannot be guaranteed when users select inappropriate cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine takes over the decision-making process from the user by automatically detecting load characteristics and selecting the most appropriate washing cycle. This self-service approach replaces manual user selection with automated intelligent selection, ensuring optimal cleaning parameters are always chosen based on actual load conditions rather than user guesswork.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback to determine the optimal washing cycle, creating an objective basis for cycle selection that eliminates subjective user errors. The controller processes sensor data regarding dirtiness level and automatically selects the most suitable washing program, ensuring scientifically optimal cleaning parameters are applied regardless of user knowledge or preferences.
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 enables efficient use of resources by tailoring washing cycles to the actual dirtiness of the load, reducing waste and ensuring effective cleaning, while also providing user notifications if a manually selected cycle is inadequate.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sensor comprises a camera or an optical sensor for sensing the one or more items to be washed in the washing compartment
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a dishwasher comprising a washing compartment for holding one or more items to be washed, and a door arranged to be movable between a closed position and an open position to enable access to the washing compartment. The dishwasher further comprises a washing mechanism for washing the one or more items to be washed, a controller for controlling the washing mechanism, and at least one sensor configured for communication with the controller. The controller is configured to receive from the at least one sensor information associated with how dirty at least one of the one or more items to be washed is; and the controller is configured to initiate a washing cycle according to one or more washing cycle parameters selected by the controller, in dependence on the information received from the at least one sensor.