Dishwasher Spot Detection Assembly Using Transparent Component Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwasher appliances often leave undesirable water spots on dishes after the drying cycle, and lack the ability to detect these spots, especially due to the disordered loading of dishes and varying types of dishes, requiring manual rewashing.
Innovation Solution
A spot detection assembly within the dishwasher that includes a transparent component and an imaging device to detect fluid spots, using image recognition algorithms to determine if spots are present on the transparent component, which indicates spots on the dishes, and implementing spot mitigation algorithms accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional heating element drying is used, then dishes are dried effectively, but water spots remain on dishes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where an imaging device detects water spots on a transparent component, and this detection feedback controls the heating element to apply localized heat treatment. The controller receives images from the imaging device, analyzes spot presence, and adjusts heating element operation accordingly - increasing power to specific zones where spots are detected, thereby eliminating spots while maintaining overall drying effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/thermal drying alone with an optical-detection-based system. An imaging device (optical system) substitutes for traditional temperature-based spot prevention methods. The system uses image capture and analysis to detect spots, then directs thermal energy precisely where needed, replacing blanket heating with targeted thermal treatment guided by optical detection.
2Measurement precision
If spot detection assembly is added, then spot detection capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent component as an intermediary element placed within the wash chamber. This transparent component serves as a proxy surface that develops water spots similar to those on actual dishes. The imaging device photographs this transparent component rather than the dishes directly, simplifying detection. The controller then uses this indirect information to control heating element operation, achieving spot mitigation without requiring complex direct dish analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent component acts as a copy or proxy for the actual dishes. Instead of analyzing the complex, varied surfaces of real dishes directly, the system creates a simplified copy (transparent component) that replicates the spot-forming behavior. The imaging device captures images of this copy, and the controller uses the copied information to control the heating element, reducing the complexity of direct dish detection while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If imaging device photographs transparent component, then spot detection is simplified, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural element within the wash chamber, a surface that develops representative water spots, a photographable target for the imaging device, and a proxy for dish surface analysis. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated detection surfaces or complex dish-handling mechanisms, thereby simplifying operation while managing component count.
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
Reduces the need for rinse aid detergents by accurately detecting and mitigating water spots, ensuring dishes are clean without manual rewashing and optimizing the drying process.
Implementation Method 1
the imaging device is configured to detect one or more fluid spots on the transparent component, which is indicative of fluid spots being present on the articles
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher appliance includes a cabinet having a wash chamber for receipt of articles for cleaning, a rack assembly slidably received into the wash chamber and configured for the receipt of the articles, and a fluid dispensing assembly for dispensing a fluid onto the articles in the rack assembly during operation of the dishwasher appliance. Further, the dishwasher appliance includes a spot detection assembly. The spot detection assembly includes a transparent component and an imaging device arranged adjacent to the transparent component. As such, the imaging device is configured to detect one or more fluid spots on the transparent component, which is indicative of fluid spots being present on the articles.