Motor control based on vibration sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Domestic dishwashers generate noise due to the operation of pumps and vent fans, which can be inefficient and disturb users, and existing technologies lack effective methods to optimize these components based on real-time noise feedback.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating vibration sensors and controllers that monitor noise levels from pumps and vent fans, allowing for variable speed adjustments to optimize operation, minimize noise, and enhance energy efficiency by determining preferred operating characteristics through techniques like Fast Fourier Transform and digital waveform processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pumps and vent fans operate at high speed to improve cleaning and drying performance, then productivity is improved, but noise levels increase and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the vent fan and circulation pump to operate at variable speeds rather than fixed speeds. The controller dynamically adjusts the rotational speed of these components based on real-time vibration sensor feedback, allowing the system to optimize between productivity and noise generation during different operational phases of the dishwasher cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using vibration sensors to continuously monitor the operational characteristics of motors and pumps. The controller receives this vibration data and uses it to adjust the speed of the vent fan and circulation pump, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual operating conditions rather than following predetermined speed schedules.
2Productivity
If pumps and vent fans operate at high speed to improve cleaning and drying performance, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the speed of energy-consuming components (vent fan motor, circulation pump motor) based on actual operational needs. By varying the rotational speed rather than maintaining constant high-speed operation, the system reduces energy consumption while still achieving effective cleaning and drying performance when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism allows the controller to optimize energy usage by adjusting motor speeds based on real-time vibration characteristics. This ensures that high energy consumption occurs only when necessary for effective operation, rather than continuously, thereby improving overall energy efficiency.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If vibration sensors and variable speed control systems are added to monitor and adjust pump and fan operation, then noise levels are reduced and energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control system that uses vibration sensor data to automatically adjust motor speeds. This closed-loop approach reduces noise and improves energy efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention or multiple separate control systems, as the feedback mechanism integrates sensing and control functions into a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages the dishwasher cycle, monitors vibration from sensors, determines operational characteristics of motors, and adjusts speeds of multiple components (vent fan, circulation pump). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated control systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase 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
The solution effectively reduces noise levels and improves energy efficiency by dynamically adjusting the speed of motor components in dishwashers based on real-time feedback, leading to a more efficient and quieter operation.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration sensor (e.g., a microphone or an accelerometer) configured to sense operating characteristics of the vent fan motor
Implementation Method 2
determining a rotation speed of the vent fan motor, wherein determining a rotation speed of the vent fan motor comprises applying a Fast Fourier Transform and/or digital waveform processing to at least a portion of the operating characteristics
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for controlling a vent fan (62) motor (61) associated with a dishwasher based at least in part on sensed vibration signals. A vibration sensor (63), such as a microphone and/or an accelerometer, may be associated with the vent fan motor and may be configured to sense sound pressure level vibrations emitted by the vent fan motor. A controller (40) associated with the dishwasher may receive the sensed vibration signals, identify various operating characteristics of the vent fan motor, such as temperature (70), and may compare the identified operating characteristics against preferred operating characteristics. A determination that the operating characteristics do not satisfy the preferred operating characteristics may correspond to inefficient operation of the vent fan motor, and the controller may thus adjust the vent fan motor speed.