Dishwasher Spray Arm Control via Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household dishwashers have limited options for positioning spray arms and fixed washing programs, which do not adapt effectively to the variety of items being washed, leading to suboptimal cleaning results.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a mobile device with an optical sensor and app to detect items in the dishwasher and dynamically define intensive washing zones by controlling the spray arms based on user input or automatic analysis of images, allowing for variable and optimized washing programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spray arms are driven by water pressure using the recoil principle, then the positioning options for the spray arm are limited, but the device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional water-pressure-driven recoil mechanism with an electric motor-driven system. This substitution enables precise positioning of spray arms through electronic control, significantly increasing positioning options and adaptability while accepting increased device complexity through the addition of electric motors and control electronics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If washing programs are stored as fixed processes in the control unit, then the program structure is simple, but the ability to adapt to different washware types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors detect the presence and type of washware, and this information is fed back to the control unit. The control unit then dynamically adjusts the washing program parameters based on the detected washware characteristics, enabling adaptability while maintaining a manageable control structure through rule-based decision making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms fixed, static washing programs into dynamic programs that can be modified during execution based on sensor inputs. The control unit allows for real-time adjustments to spray patterns, water pressure, and cycle duration, enabling the system to adapt to different washware configurations while keeping the overall program structure organized and manageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual selection of intensive wash zones is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to automatically recognize different washware arrangements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the dishwasher to automatically identify and configure intensive wash zones without user intervention. Sensors scan the washing compartment to detect washware positions and types, and the control unit automatically determines optimal intensive wash zone locations based on this data, allowing the system to serve itself by making intelligent decisions about washware arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection and analysis of washware arrangements before the washing cycle begins. The sensor system scans and maps the washing compartment during loading or before the program starts, allowing the control unit to pre-configure intensive wash zones and spray patterns optimized for the detected arrangement, thereby eliminating the need for manual selection during operation.
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
Enables more effective cleaning by allowing users to define and adjust washing zones based on the type and arrangement of items, improving the washing process by increasing rinsing pressure or duration where needed, thus optimizing the cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor signal from a device external to the household dishwasher in particular an optical sensor signal from a camera
Implementation Method 2
spray arms to spray the washware with washing liquid, particularly water and detergent, and to remove dirt from the washware. Such spray arms are typically driven by the water pressure of the circulation pump
Implementation Method 3
The spray arms feature at least one drive nozzle, which drives the spray arms using the recoil principle
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method proposed for operating a domestic dishwasher comprising a control apparatus for carrying out a washing program from a plurality of washing programs for washing washware arranged in a washing chamber. The domestic dishwasher comprises at least one spraying device for spraying the washware with washing liquid and a drive device for driving the at least one spraying device. The method comprises the following steps: capturing an optical sensor signal of the washing chamber by means of an optical sensor of a device that is external to the domestic dishwasher, determining at least one intensive washing zone for intensively washing the washware arranged in the washing chamber, depending on the captured optical sensor signal, and actuating the drive device in such a way that the at least one determined intensive washing zone is formed by means of the at least one spraying device.