Dishwasher Spray Control for Detergent Dispenser Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detergent dispensers in dishwasher appliances face issues such as detergent buildup, caking of powder detergent, and difficulty in removal, which affects their operation and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher appliance equipped with a spray detection sensor and a variable speed pump that adjusts the trajectory of wash fluid to direct it towards the detergent dispenser, facilitating flushing and rinsing of the dispenser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detergent is dispensed in the detergent dispenser, then detergent is provided to form wash fluid, but detergent builds up and clings to the detergent dispenser
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary flushing action by directing spray fluid to the detergent dispenser during the wash cycle before detergent buildup becomes problematic. The controller activates the spray assembly to direct fluid toward the detergent dispenser, preventing detergent accumulation in advance.
2Quantity of substance
If powder detergent is stored in the detergent dispenser, then detergent is available for dispensing, but powder detergent cakes if not properly flushed
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous flushing action throughout the wash cycle by repeatedly directing spray fluid to the detergent dispenser. This continuous action ensures powder detergent remains loose and dispensable throughout the entire wash cycle, preventing caking.
3Ease of operation
If detergent dispenser is designed for easy loading, then user convenience is improved, but detergent accumulation negatively affects operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-maintenance by automatically flushing the detergent dispenser during operation. The spray assembly directs fluid to the detergent dispenser without user intervention, and the controller manages this self-cleaning process, allowing the dispenser to service itself and prevent accumulation.
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 effectively prevents detergent accumulation and ensures efficient operation by ensuring proper flushing of the detergent dispenser, improving appliance performance and user satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
a variable speed pump... By changing the speed of the variable speed pump, a trajectory of wash fluid from a spray assembly is also changed such that the wash fluid is directed towards a detergent dispenser
Implementation Method 2
Based upon signals from the spray detection sensor, a speed of the variable speed pump is changed
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher appliance includes a spray detection sensor and a variable speed pump. Based upon signals from the spray detection sensor, a speed of the variable speed pump is changed. By changing the speed of the variable speed pump, a trajectory of wash fluid from a spray assembly of the dishwasher appliance is also changed such that the wash fluid is directed towards a detergent dispenser of the dishwasher appliance. A related method for operating a dishwasher appliance is also provided.