Dishwasher Turbidity Monitoring for Adaptive Wash Water Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dishwasher technologies face inefficiencies in water and energy consumption due to recirculation of soiled water, which affects wash quality and prolongs cycle duration, as they often monitor turbidity only at the end of cycle segments, leading to unnecessary energy and water usage.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a monitoring device that dynamically tracks the turbidity of wash water during cycle segments, allowing for real-time adjustments, such as partial draining and refilling, to maintain optimal water conditions and reduce recirculation of soiled water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the dishwasher monitors turbidity only at the end of cycle segments, then the monitoring system is simple, but water and energy consumption increase due to recirculation of soiled water
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device measures turbidity continuously during cycle segments rather than waiting until the end, enabling early detection of soiled water conditions. This preliminary monitoring allows the system to take corrective action (draining and refilling) before excessive recirculation occurs, reducing energy and water consumption without requiring a complex monitoring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time turbidity measurement feedback to dynamically control the washing cycle. When the monitoring device detects that turbidity exceeds a threshold, it triggers automatic draining and refilling operations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism optimizes resource consumption by responding to actual water quality conditions rather than following a fixed schedule.
2Quantity of substance
If the dishwasher drains and refills water frequently, then water quality is maintained, but water consumption and cycle duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors turbidity continuously and triggers draining/refilling operations only when the threshold is exceeded, rather than at fixed intervals. This feedback-based approach maintains water quality by ensuring water is only replaced when actually needed, minimizing unnecessary water consumption and cycle extensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing of draining and refilling operations based on the measured turbidity parameter. By changing the operational parameters (when to drain and refill) based on real-time water quality measurements, the system optimizes the balance between maintaining water quality and minimizing water consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the dishwasher continues a cycle segment until completion, then the cycle structure is simple, but energy consumption increases due to operation with soiled water
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device provides real-time feedback on water quality during cycle segments. When turbidity exceeds the threshold, the control system interrupts the current cycle segment and initiates draining and refilling operations. This feedback-driven cycle control prevents energy waste from continuing to operate with soiled water while maintaining relatively simple cycle structure through automatic threshold-based decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing cycle transitions from a static, predetermined structure to a dynamic structure that adapts to real-time water quality conditions. The cycle segment duration and timing of draining/refilling operations are dynamically adjusted based on turbidity measurements, allowing the system to optimize energy consumption while maintaining manageable control complexity through automated threshold-based adjustments.
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 approach enhances wash quality, reduces water and energy consumption, and shortens wash cycles by continuously monitoring and adjusting wash water turbidity, optimizing resource usage and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the wash cycle may involve monitoring the turbidity of the wash water
Data Source
AI summary
A washing appliance is provided, having a circulation pump for circulating a washing fluid. A monitoring device is capable of monitoring a condition of the circulated washing fluid. A control device is in communication with the monitoring device and is configured to direct execution of one of a plurality of automatic wash programs by the washing appliance, wherein each automatic wash program includes a plurality of serially-conducted wash segments, each including at least one pre-wash segment and at least one post-wash segment. The control device is further configured to direct the monitoring device to dynamically monitor the washing fluid condition during at least one of the at least one pre-wash segment and the at least one post-wash segment, and to direct an alteration of the washing fluid in response to the monitoring device determining that the washing fluid condition exceeds a threshold. An associated method is also provided.