Dishwasher Clean Status Indicator for Partial Unloading Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in determining the clean/dirty status of dishwasher contents, especially with partial unloading and in existing devices, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary re-running of cycles.
Innovation Solution
A cleanliness status indicator system that includes a controller with embedded status logic, weight sensors, temperature sensors, and optional sound sensors, which can be installed on new or existing dishwashers to automatically determine the clean/dirty status and display it visually, minimizing user input and accounting for partial unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual methods are used to check clean/dirty status, then no additional devices are needed, but it is difficult to tell and hardly foolproof
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (status indicator with sensors) that mediates between the dishwasher contents and the user. The weight sensor and temperature sensor act as intermediaries to detect the clean/dirty status without requiring direct user interaction with the contents, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical checking methods (feeling warmth, looking for water pooling) with electronic sensing systems. The weight sensor electronically detects changes in dishweight to determine clean/dirty status, substituting unreliable manual mechanical inspection with precise electronic measurement.
2Measurement precision
If status indicator devices are incorporated into new device structure, then clean/dirty status can be monitored, but they are defeated when door is opened and don't capture partial unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the status indicator continuously monitors weight and temperature, updates the clean/dirty status determination, and provides real-time visual feedback to users. This allows the system to adapt to partial unloading events and maintain accurate status information throughout the drying cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the status indicator dynamic by allowing it to update its determination based on changing conditions (weight changes, temperature changes) rather than being a static one-time check. The system dynamically recalculates clean/dirty status when the door is opened or contents are removed, maintaining versatility for partial unloading scenarios.
3Reliability
If users run device through another set of cycles to be safe, then clean/dirty status is ensured, but it is uneconomical and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the dishwasher to self-determine and self-report its clean/dirty status through integrated sensors and a status indicator. The system serves itself by automatically monitoring its own contents and providing reliable status information, eliminating the need for users to run additional cycles out of uncertainty and thereby improving energy efficiency.
4Measurement precision
If products are inserted into dishwasher compartment to indicate status, then status can be monitored, but they require physical interaction by user that may be overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (lights, displays) as intermediaries to communicate status information to users without requiring physical interaction with the monitored contents. The intermediary visual system translates sensor data into easily observable signals that cannot be overlooked, resolving the contradiction between accurate status indication and ease of 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
The system effectively indicates the clean/dirty status of dishwasher contents without requiring physical interaction, reducing unnecessary cycle re-runs and improving efficiency, especially in shared residences or large families.
Implementation Method 1
A weight sensor may be utilized to sense a weight of objects within the washing compartment
Implementation Method 2
A temperature sensor may be utilized to sense a temperature of the washing compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A clean status indicator is disclosed for use with a cleaning device such as a dishwasher. At least one weight sensor may be configured to sense the weight of objects within the washing compartment. In some approaches at least one temperature sensor is configured to monitor a change of temperature occurring within a washing compartment. A visual display is positioned within a housing for conveying a clean/dirty status of objects within the washing compartment. A controller is in communication with the at least one sensor and the visual display. The controller includes a status logic receiving data from the at least one sensor to determine the clean/dirty status of objects within the washing compartment and display the clean/dirty status on the visual display.