Dishwasher Turbidity Sensor for Foam Detection and Removal Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers face operational errors and user inconvenience due to excessive foam generation, leading to potential wash water leakage and halted cycles, which existing technologies fail to address effectively without additional devices.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher equipped with a turbidity sensor in the sump to measure foam levels accurately, controlling the diverter valve to direct wash water through the lower spray arm and manage spray pressure to prevent foam accumulation, thereby ensuring continuous operation and user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user puts ordinary detergent into the dispenser or tub, then foam is generated, but a large amount of foam causes operational errors and halts the wash operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of foam in the wash space before the wash operation proceeds. The controller detects foam using a turbidity sensor and preemptively activates the foam removal operation, preventing operational errors and halts before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the wash space for foam generation and provides feedback to the controller. When foam is detected, the controller adjusts the wash operation by activating the foam removal mode, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliable operation.
2Reliability
If a large amount of foam is generated in the wash space, then foam removal is needed, but existing technologies require additional devices to detect and remove foam
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing turbidity sensor, originally designed for measuring wash water quality, to also detect foam in the wash space. This multi-functional use of the sensor eliminates the need for separate foam detection devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (turbidity sensor, pump, spray arms) to detect and remove foam, rather than requiring external or additional specialized devices. The foam removal function is achieved by repurposing existing wash water circulation components.
3Reliability
If foam is detected and removed by halting the wash operation, then foam is eliminated, but the proceeding and remaining courses stop, causing user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs foam removal operations periodically or intermittently during the wash cycle rather than halting the entire operation. The controller activates foam removal in specific phases (pre-wash or main wash) while allowing other courses to continue, maintaining overall cycle continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs foam removal in advance during the pre-wash or main wash course before the proceeding and remaining courses begin. By eliminating foam early in the cycle, the system prevents operational errors in subsequent courses without interrupting them.
4Manufacturing precision
If wash water is sprayed through top spray arm and upper spray arm during foam removal, then wash coverage is improved, but foam increases due to downward movement of wash water
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates only the lower spray arm during foam removal operations, creating a localized spray pattern that directs wash water upward rather than downward. This localized change in spray configuration eliminates foam generation while maintaining adequate wash coverage for the specific foam removal phase.
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
Accurate and rapid foam measurement and removal prevent operational errors, wash water leakage, and ensure continuous dishwasher cycles, enhancing user convenience and wash performance.
Implementation Method 1
A dishwasher may include a tub provided with a wash space in which tableware is accommodated, a sump disposed in a lower portion of the wash space and configured to store wash water, a turbidity sensor disposed in the sump and configured to sense a turbidity value of the wash water
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher and a method of controlling the same. The dishwasher may determine an amount of foam in a wash space using a turbidity sensor measuring a turbidity value of wash water. Additionally, the dishwasher may perform a foam removal operation based on the amount of the foam in the wash space. In this case, the turbidity value measured by the turbidity sensor may be used. The foam removal operation may include a drainage operation, a water supply operation, and a wash operation that are consecutively performed, and may be performed in one or more of a pre-wash course, a main wash course, and a heating and rinsing course.