Dishwasher Tubular Spray Arm Position Control Using Image Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dishwasher spray arm systems are inefficient as they waste resources by evenly distributing wash fluid across all areas, leading to inadequate cleaning in corners and increased noise, and lack precision in targeting dirty areas.
Innovation Solution
An image-based position sensor is used to control a discretely directable tubular spray element, allowing for precise rotation and adjustment of the spray pattern based on sensed positions and image data to focus wash fluid on specific areas within the dishwasher.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If spray arms are used to distribute wash fluid evenly across all areas, then all areas receive wash fluid coverage, but resources (time, energy, water) are wasted and cleaning precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different spray arms to have different operational characteristics. Specifically, spray arms in corner positions are configured to rotate through larger angles (e.g., 270 degrees) compared to central spray arms (e.g., 180 degrees), allowing each spray arm to be optimized for its specific location and achieve precise targeting without wasting water on already-covered areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the spray arm rotation angles adjustable and position-dependent. The system dynamically configures rotation angles based on the spray arm's position within the tub, with corner spray arms rotating through larger angles and central spray arms rotating through smaller angles, thereby achieving precise water delivery to specific zones
2Productivity
If spray arms follow a circular rotation path, then the spray mechanism is simple, but corner areas are not covered thoroughly leading to lower cleaning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tub into different zones (corner zones and central zones) and assigning different rotation angle ranges to spray arms based on their positions. Corner spray arms are configured to rotate through larger angles to cover corner areas, while central spray arms rotate through smaller angles, thereby improving overall cleaning performance through zoned coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by configuring each spray arm's rotation angle according to its specific location within the tub. Corner spray arms are programmed to rotate through 270 degrees to thoroughly cover corner areas, while central spray arms rotate through 180 degrees, ensuring each area receives appropriate spray coverage without requiring complex mechanical modifications
3Productivity
If spray jets are directed to the sides of the wash tub during rotation, then the spray arm covers more area, but unneeded noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by dynamically adjusting the rotation angle range of each spray arm based on its position and the wash cycle phase. Spray arms are configured to rotate through optimized angles (e.g., 270 degrees for corner arms, 180 degrees for central arms) that cover necessary areas while avoiding excessive rotation that would direct spray jets against tub sides and generate noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling spray arm rotation to occur during specific phases of the wash cycle when noise is less problematic, and by using intermittent rotation patterns that allow spray to be directed away from tub sides during periods when noise generation would be excessive
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 solution enhances cleaning efficiency by ensuring targeted washing, reducing resource waste, and minimizing noise by optimizing the spray pattern and flow rate, resulting in improved dishwasher performance.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device configured to sense a rotational position of the tubular spray element about the longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher and method utilize an image-based position sensor that is positioned to sense the rotational position of a discretely directable tubular spray element driven by a tubular spray element drive.