Dishwasher Spraying Arm Channel Control Using Motor Current Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers cannot determine which channels wash water is supplied to in the spraying arm, leading to inefficient washing and inability to actively control the rotational direction of the spraying arm, which affects washing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a spraying arm featuring first and second channels that can be selectively supplied with wash water based on current values measured by a motor, allowing the controller to differentiate between the two states and control the rotational direction accordingly, and a flow path conversion unit to alternate supply between channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wash water is alternatively supplied to multiple channels in the spraying arm, then the spraying arm can rotate in different directions, but the system cannot determine which channel is currently supplied, leading to loss of information about the supply state
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures the current value from the motor driving the supply pump and uses this feedback to determine which channel is currently supplied with wash water. The controller compares the measured current value with reference values to identify the active channel, thereby eliminating information loss about the supply state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical indicators or sensors with an electrical measurement approach. By measuring the electrical current consumed by the motor under different channel supply conditions, the system can electronically determine the supply state without adding complex mechanical detection mechanisms.
2Productivity
If wash water is supplied to channels alternatively, then the spraying arm rotates periodically, but intensive washing of the dispenser at the initial stage cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the water supply strategy based on the washing stage. During the initial stage, the controller supplies wash water intensively to the channel directing water toward the dispenser. As the washing progresses, the system alternates between channels to maintain arm rotation and overall washing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary intensive washing of the dispenser by supplying wash water to the appropriate channel during the initial stage before transitioning to alternating supply模式. This ensures the dispenser receives focused attention when it最需要 cleaning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spraying arm rotates periodically to cover all channels, then all areas can be washed, but the rotational direction cannot be actively controlled
Solution Approach 1:
By continuously monitoring the current value from the motor, the system gains feedback about which channel is active. This allows the controller to actively determine the rotational direction based on real-time supply state information, enabling adaptive control rather than passive periodic rotation.
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 intensive wash water supply to the dispenser at the initial stage of the wash cycle and active control of the spraying arm's rotational direction, enhancing washing efficiency and ensuring even water distribution to both front and rear portions of the rack.
Implementation Method 1
a supply pump comprising an impeller and a motor that drives the impeller and supplies the wash water stored in the sump to the spraying arm
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dishwasher and a control method therefor, the dishwasher comprising: a tub for providing a washing space; a sump for collecting the washing water sprayed into the tub; a spraying arm having first and second channels, in each of which the washing water separately flows, and a plurality of spraying holes for discharging the washing water, which flows into each channel, in a preset direction; a supply pump including an impeller and a motor for rotating the impeller, and supplying the washing water, which is stored in the sump, to the spraying arm; a channel switching unit for selectively supplying the washing water to the first channel or the second channel according to the driving of the supply pump; and a control unit for controlling the driving of the motor, wherein a control unit controls the driving of the motor such that the washing water is selectively supplied to the first channel or the second channel, on the basis of a value of an electric current flowing into the motor.