Integrated Dishwasher Sump Sensor Module for Accurate Water Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher designs face challenges in efficiently utilizing the inner space of the sump, particularly in the installation and operation of sensors, which can lead to inefficiencies and misidentification of water levels due to residual water issues.
Innovation Solution
A sensing module is designed with a printed circuit board mounting both the water sensing sensor and temperature sensor, housed in a sensor module with a resin-filled enclosure, allowing for compact installation and efficient space utilization, featuring a capacitive sensor with electrodes on both sides of the board and a sealing mechanism to prevent water leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are installed in the sump to monitor water, then water level sensing capability is improved, but space utilization in the sump deteriorates due to inefficient sensor installation structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (water sensing sensor, temperature sensor, turbidity sensor) into a single integrated sensing module that is disposed in the sump. This merging approach improves space utilization by consolidating multiple sensing functions into one compact unit, while maintaining accurate water level sensing capability through the integrated design of the sensing chamber and sensor array.
2Volume of moving object
If sensing module is disposed close to the bottom of the sump to maximize space utilization, then space efficiency is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to residual water interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing module into distinct functional components: a sensing chamber disposed at a specific height in the sump, and sensors mounted within the chamber. The sensing chamber is positioned above the sump bottom to avoid residual water interference, while the chamber itself occupies minimal space. This segmentation allows the sensing function to be separated from the water collection zone, maintaining measurement accuracy while preserving space efficiency through the compact chamber design.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are installed separately in the sump to ensure accurate monitoring, then sensing capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple individual sensor installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensors (water sensing sensor, temperature sensor, turbidity sensor) into a single integrated sensing module with a unified sensing chamber and mounting structure. This consolidation maintains comprehensive water monitoring capability across multiple parameters while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate mounting structures, wiring harnesses, and installation procedures for each individual sensor. The integrated design simplifies both installation and maintenance operations.
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 configuration enables accurate water level sensing and temperature monitoring, preventing misidentification of residual water and optimizing the sump's inner space, ensuring efficient water circulation and discharge.
Implementation Method 1
the water sensing sensor is configured as a capacitive sensor including a first electrode and a second electrode
Implementation Method 2
the water sensing sensor to sense whether or not water is present in the sump
Data Source
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AI summary
A dishwasher including a washing chamber (11a) to perform dishwashing, a water collecting portion (15a) provided at a lower portion of the washing chamber (11a) to gather water used for washing, and a sensing module (30) which is disposed in the water collecting portion (15a) and integrally includes a water sensing sensor (31) to sense whether or not water is present and a temperature sensor (32) to sense a temperature of water. Since the sensing module (30) simultaneously serves as the water sensing sensor (31) and the temperature sensor (32), it may be possible to more efficiently utilize an inner space of the water collecting portion.