Method for detecting and removing a clogging condition of a filter in a dishwasher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers face issues with filter clogging, which can lead to reduced water circulation, causing the circulation pump to suck in air and potentially damage the pump if not addressed promptly, due to the inability of existing technologies to effectively detect and remediate clogging conditions in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a water level sensor to detect deviations in water level and rate of change, executing remedial operations such as switching to lower spray arm operation, adding water, or pulsing the circulation pump to clear clogs, and resuming the wash cycle based on the removal of the clogging condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter is used to separate food soils from wash water, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the filter becomes prone to clogging which reduces water circulation and may damage the circulation pump
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of clogging conditions by monitoring water level and circulation patterns before the filter becomes completely blocked. This early detection allows remedial operations to be initiated proactively, preventing complete clogging and pump damage while maintaining continuous filter protection throughout the wash cycle
2Productivity
If the circulation pump operates continuously to maintain water circulation, then wash cycle effectiveness is improved, but the pump is vulnerable to damage from air suction when filter clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors water level, circulation rate, and pump operation parameters to detect early signs of filter clogging. When clogging is detected, the system provides feedback to the control logic which automatically initiates remedial operations such as adjusting spray arm operation or pulsing the circulation pump to clear the filter, thereby maintaining water circulation while protecting the pump from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts circulation pump operation based on real-time detection of clogging conditions. Instead of continuous operation at fixed speed, the pump operation is modulated through pulsing patterns or speed adjustments in response to detected clogging, maintaining effective water circulation while reducing vulnerability to air suction and mechanical damage
3Reliability
If remedial operations are executed to clear filter clogs, then pump protection is improved, but the wash cycle must be interrupted which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system executes partial remedial operations that address clogging conditions without requiring complete wash cycle termination. Instead of stopping the entire cycle, the system applies targeted actions such as localized spray adjustments or brief pump pulsing sequences that clear the filter while maintaining overall cycle continuity, thus protecting the pump with minimal time loss
4Measurement precision
If a water level sensor is installed to detect clogging conditions, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water level sensor serves multiple functions: detecting filter clogging conditions, monitoring wash cycle water levels, and providing feedback for circulation control. By making the sensor multi-functional, the system achieves accurate clogging detection without adding dedicated separate detection devices, thereby maintaining measurement precision while limiting increases in device complexity
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
Effectively detects and removes filter clogs, preventing pump damage and ensuring efficient wash cycles by interrupting and resuming operations as needed, thus enhancing dishwasher reliability and soil removal efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring at least one of a water level during execution of the wash cycle (e.g., with a pressure sensor) or a rate at which the water level changes
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for detecting and removing a clogging condition of a filter (30) in a dishwasher (10). The method includes determining a normal water level (201) or a normal rate of water level change for a wash cycle of the dishwasher (10) and monitoring a water level (202) or a rate of water level change during execution of the wash cycle. The method further includes detecting the clogging condition of the filter by detecting a deviation thereof (203). A current position of the wash cycle being executed may then be determined (204). The method further includes executing a remedial operation to facilitate removal of the clogging condition (205) and determining if the clogging condition has been removed (206). Finally, the method includes resuming operation of the dishwasher at a wash cycle position based on the current position of the wash cycle if the clogging condition has been removed (207).