System with a dishwasher, method, and computer program product
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers often start machine care programs at predetermined intervals regardless of their actual cleanliness, leading to inefficient use of resources, premature aging, or impaired cleaning performance due to dirt buildup in components.
Innovation Solution
A system with a control device that uses sensors to detect and analyze the time profile of washing liquor parameters, determining a time function value to trigger targeted machine care or cleaning programs based on the detected trends, rather than relying solely on current sensor values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If machine care programs are started after a predetermined number of wash program runs, then the dishwasher components are cleaned periodically, but the cleaning program may be started too early or too late, leading to unnecessary resource consumption or impaired cleaning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors sensor signals (turbidity, conductivity, temperature) from the wash liquor and uses this feedback to dynamically determine when machine care programs should be executed. The control device evaluates the temporal development of these signals and compares them against threshold values to trigger cleaning programs only when actually needed, rather than following a fixed schedule
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and evaluation of wash liquor parameters during normal washing operations. By continuously analyzing the temporal profile of sensor signals and detecting trends before they indicate severe soiling, the system can proactively initiate machine care programs at the optimal moment, preventing cleaning performance degradation while avoiding premature cleaning cycles
2Productivity
If machine care programs are started after a predetermined number of wash program runs, then the cleaning program is executed regularly, but unnecessary energy, detergent, and water are consumed when the dishwasher is still clean
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously receives feedback from sensors monitoring wash liquor properties and uses this information to dynamically adjust the timing of machine care programs. By evaluating the actual condition of the wash liquor through temporal signal analysis, the system avoids executing cleaning programs when the dishwasher is still clean, thereby saving detergent, water, and energy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters (timing of machine care programs) based on the actual state of the wash liquor. Instead of using a fixed schedule, the control device adjusts when cleaning programs are executed according to measured parameters such as turbidity, conductivity, and temperature, optimizing resource consumption while maintaining washing efficiency
3Reliability
If machine care programs are started after a predetermined number of wash program runs, then the cleaning program is executed on a fixed schedule, but the dishwasher's cleaning performance may already be noticeably impaired by the time the machine care program is initiated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of wash liquor parameters during normal washing operations and detects trends in the temporal development of sensor signals. By identifying when soiling is approaching critical levels before it significantly impacts cleaning performance, the system can proactively initiate machine care programs at the optimal moment, preventing performance degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors feedback from sensors and uses this information to dynamically determine when cleaning programs should be executed. By evaluating the actual condition of the wash liquor in real-time, the system triggers machine care programs at the precise moment when they are needed, avoiding both premature and delayed execution
4Reliability
If machine care programs are started after a predetermined number of wash program runs, then the cleaning program is executed periodically, but this can lead to premature aging of components or the failure of functional units affected by the dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of wash liquor parameters using sensors that measure turbidity, conductivity, and temperature. This feedback mechanism allows the control device to detect when soiling reaches critical levels that could harm components, triggering machine care programs to protect component lifespan while managing the complexity through integrated control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces fixed mechanical scheduling mechanisms with an intelligent control system that uses sensor data and temporal signal analysis to dynamically determine when machine care programs are needed. This substitution of mechanical timing with electronic monitoring and decision-making optimizes component protection while managing system complexity through software-based control
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 allows for more precise timing of machine care programs, optimizing resource use, maintaining cleaning performance, and extending component lifespan by addressing dirt buildup proactively.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor unit (110) is configured to detect a temporal profile of at least one sensor signal of a wash liquor
Implementation Method 2
The sensor signal relates to a physical, chemical, and/or biological parameter of the wash liquor, such as at least turbidity, conductivity, temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (20) with a dishwasher (1), preferably a domestic dishwasher, comprising a controller (100) for carrying out a washing program for washing washware arranged in a washing chamber (4) of the dishwasher (1), a sensor unit (110) for detecting the time curve (R1, R2, R3) of at least one sensor signal (SS) of a wash liquor and for outputting the detected time curve (R1, R2, R3) of the at least one sensor signal (SS), a storage unit (120) for storing the time curve (R1, R2, R3) of the at least one sensor signal (SS), and an ascertaining unit (130) for ascertaining a temporal functional value (RES, RES1, RES2) on the basis of the time curve (R1, R2, R3) of the at least one sensor signal (SS), wherein the controller (100) is designed to carry out a specified action on the basis of the temporal functional value (RES, RES1, RES2).