Dishwasher and method for operating a dishwasher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers face challenges in determining the switching state of additional spray facilities reliably due to complex and error-prone sensor arrangements, which can impact cleaning results if washing liquor supply is insufficient or pressure is too low.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a control device that determines the switching state of a third spray device by measuring the difference in pump current when supplying washing liquor to different hydraulic arrangements, allowing for self-calibrated and reliable operation without additional parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor is arranged in the washing compartment to detect the switching position of additional spray facilities, then the cleaning result can be optimized by knowing the switching position, but the device complexity increases and the sensor becomes error-prone due to harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is extracted from the washing compartment environment and relocated to the control unit, which operates in a protected environment. The control unit determines the switching state by processing pump current data rather than using a physical sensor in the washing compartment, thereby eliminating the complexity and reliability issues of in-compartment sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical/electrical sensor system is replaced with an electrical measurement system. Instead of using a physical sensor to detect switching position, the invention uses pump current measurements combined with a lookup table (stored characteristic values) to determine the switching state of additional spray facilities, replacing complex mechanical sensing with simpler electrical characterization.
2Productivity
If additional spray facilities are activated, then the cleaning performance is improved, but the washing liquor supply may be insufficient or pressure too low, requiring complex sensor arrangements to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from pump current measurements to determine the actual switching state of spray facilities. By continuously monitoring pump current and comparing it with stored characteristic values, the control unit can identify when additional spray facilities are activated and adjust washing program parameters accordingly to ensure reliable washing liquor supply and pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes operating parameters (washing program parameters such as pump speed, water flow rate, or pressure) based on the detected switching state of additional spray facilities. This allows the system to optimize washing liquor supply and pressure according to the actual configuration, ensuring reliable operation without complex sensor arrangements.
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 reliable determination of the third spray device's switching state, improving dishwasher operation and ensuring consistent cleaning results by adjusting dishwashing program parameters based on the current switching state.
Implementation Method 1
a pump device that can be operated by means of a pump current, and a third spray device for providing an intensive washing zone
Implementation Method 2
a control device, which is designed to determine a current switching state of the third spray device as a function of a difference between the pump current when washing liquor is supplied to the first hydraulic arrangement and when washing liquor is supplied to the second hydraulic arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes a pump device operated by a pump current for supply of washing liquor to a first spray device via a first hydraulic arrangement for providing a first washing zone and to a second spray device via a second hydraulic arrangement for providing a second washing zone. A third spray device is connected to one of the first and second hydraulic arrangements for providing an intensive washing zone. In a first switching state, the third spray device is isolated from the one hydraulic arrangement, and in a second switching state the third spray device is connected to the one hydraulic arrangement. A control device determines a current switching state of the third spray device as a function of a difference between the pump current when washing liquor is supplied to the first hydraulic arrangement and when washing liquor is supplied to the second hydraulic arrangement.