Dishwasher Spraying Arm Channel Selection Using Motor Current Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers cannot determine which channels wash water is supplied to, leading to inefficient spraying of wash water towards the detergent dispenser or filter, and inability to actively control the rotational direction of the spraying arm based on the channel selection.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a spraying arm featuring first and second channels and a flow path conversion unit, where the controller uses current values from a motor to selectively supply wash water to each channel, allowing for distinct cross-sectional areas and rotational control of the spraying arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wash water is alternatively supplied to multiple channels, then all channels can be used for spraying, but it is impossible to know which channel the wash water is supplied to and cannot intensively spray toward the dispenser at required time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by measuring the current value of the motor and using it to determine which channel wash water is supplied to. The controller continuously monitors motor current and compares it with reference values to identify the active channel, creating a closed-loop information feedback system that resolves the channel identification problem
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or physical channel identification methods with an electrical measurement approach. Instead of using mechanical indicators or visual signals to identify channels, the system uses electrical current measurement to determine channel status, enabling more precise and automated channel recognition
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotational directions of spraying arm are periodically changed, then all spraying directions can be covered, but rotational directions cannot be determined and controlled actively based on washing objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from channel identification (via motor current measurement) to actively control the rotational direction of the spraying arm. The controller determines the appropriate rotational direction based on which channel is active and the type of washing objects, enabling adaptive control rather than periodic random changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the spraying arm's rotational direction based on real-time channel identification and washing object characteristics. Instead of fixed periodic changes, the system dynamically adjusts rotational direction to optimize spraying effectiveness for different washing scenarios
3Productivity
If multiple channels are provided in spraying arm, then washing coverage is improved, but device complexity increases and channel identification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or sensor-based channel identification systems with a simple electrical current measurement approach. By monitoring the motor's current consumption, the system can identify which channel is active without adding mechanical indicators or complex sensors to the spraying arm structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses motor current value as an intermediary parameter to indirectly identify channel status. Instead of directly detecting channel activation, the system measures the electrical current drawn by the motor, which varies depending on which channel is supplying wash water, providing a simple indirect identification method
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 detergent dispenser in the initial wash cycle and active control of the spraying arm's rotational direction, enhancing washing efficiency and water usage.
Implementation Method 1
a supply pump comprising an impeller and a motor configured to drive the impeller and configured to supply the wash water collected in the sump to the spraying arm
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of the spraying holes formed in the spraying arm may be directional at a preset angle with respect to an upper or lower surface of the spraying arm. Accordingly, the spraying arm is rotatable by the reaction of the force for spraying the wash water via the spraying holes
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes: a tub; a sump configured to collect wash water sprayed into the tub; a spraying arm including: first and second channels configured to independently guide the wash water; and a plurality of spraying holes configured to spray the wash water supplied to each of the channels in preset directions; a supply pump configured to supply the wash water collected in the sump to the spraying arm, the supply pump including: an impeller; and a motor configured to drive the impeller; a flow path conversion unit configured to selectively supply the wash water to the first channel or the second channel; and a controller configured to cause the flow path conversion unit to selectively supply the wash water to the first channel or the second channel by controlling the operation of the motor based on a value of an electrical current flowing through the motor.