Dishwasher Vane Position Detection for Nozzle Clog Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashing machines face the challenge of determining whether nozzles are clogged, which affects the pressure and flow rate of washing water, leading to reduced washing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The dishwashing machine employs a control unit that uses sensors, such as hall sensors, pressure sensors, vision sensors, and flow meters, to determine if the vane is parallel to the nozzle direction and if the nozzles are clogged by comparing sensed data with predetermined values, and adjusts the water pressure or flow rate accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the spray unit sprays high-pressure washing water to dishes, then washing efficiency is improved, but nozzle clogging occurs which reduces washing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs a preliminary check by detecting the position of the vane before the main washing operation. If the vane is not in the correct initial position, the control unit adjusts it accordingly, preventing improper spray patterns that could lead to nozzle clogging during high-pressure washing
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the position of the vane using sensors (such as hall sensors) and provides feedback to adjust the spray unit operation. When the vane position deviates from the expected position during washing, the control unit corrects it, ensuring consistent high-pressure spray performance without clogging
2Area of stationary object
If the vane is linearly reciprocated to deflect washing water, then washing coverage is improved, but the position detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position detection mechanisms with magnetic field-based sensors. Hall sensors detect the position of magnets attached to the vane, providing accurate position information without mechanical contact or complex linkages, thus maintaining wide washing coverage while simplifying the detection system
Solution Approach 2:
Magnets are introduced as intermediaries between the vane and the hall sensors. The magnets carry position information through the magnetic field to the sensors, enabling non-contact detection of vane position during linear reciprocation, which simplifies the overall detection system while maintaining accurate washing coverage control
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 solution allows the machine to automatically detect nozzle clogging, maintain optimal washing pressure and flow rate, and alert users when cleaning is necessary, thereby ensuring effective dishwashing operations.
Implementation Method 1
the washing tub may include a plurality of hall sensors provided therein for sensing the plurality of magnets
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a dishwashing machine determining whether a nozzle spraying washing water is clogged, and a method for controlling the same. In according to one aspect, the dishwashing machine may include a main body; a washing tub provided in the main body; a basket provided in the washing tub for accommodating dishes; a plurality of fixed nozzles fixedly arranged in a first direction of the washing tub and spraying washing water in a second direction; a vane provided for deflecting washing water sprayed from the fixed nozzles towards dishes accommodated in the basket, the vane being linearly reciprocated in the second direction; and a controller determining whether the vane is linearly reciprocated in the second direction in parallel with the first direction.