Optical Washware Detection for Adaptive Dishwasher Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial box-type dishwashers often inefficiently use resources and fail to provide optimal cleaning results due to the lack of automatic differentiation between types of washware, leading to prolonged cycles and inadequate cleaning of heavily soiled items.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher equipped with a washware detector apparatus and program control device that automatically selects and adjusts treatment programs based on the type of washware, optimizing water, chemical, and energy consumption by matching process parameters to the specific washware being treated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a constant treatment program is used for all washware types, then the dishwasher can be operated simply without automatic differentiation, but resource consumption increases and cleaning results become suboptimal for heavily soiled items
Solution Approach 1:
The washware detector apparatus automatically identifies and classifies washware types without manual intervention. The system self-adjusts treatment parameters based on detected washware characteristics, eliminating the need for operators to manually select programs while optimizing cleaning efficiency for each washware type
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts treatment parameters (temperature, water flow, chemical dosage, cycle duration) based on the detected washware type and soiling degree. This dynamic parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational simplicity while achieving optimized cleaning results through automated parameter modification
2Reliability
If the treatment cycle is prolonged to ensure thorough cleaning of heavily soiled washware, then cleaning quality improves, but energy and water consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different treatment intensities and durations to different washware types based on their specific soiling characteristics. Heavily soiled items receive intensified local treatment while lightly soiled items undergo shorter, less energy-intensive cycles, resolving the contradiction between cleaning quality and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The detector apparatus identifies the actual cleaning needs of each washware type and applies only the necessary treatment intensity. This prevents excessive treatment of lightly soiled items while ensuring adequate treatment of heavily soiled items, optimizing the balance between cleaning quality and resource consumption
3Adaptability or versatility
If a compromise treatment program is designed to accommodate multiple washware types, then the dishwasher can handle diverse items, but optimal cleaning results cannot be achieved for all types
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts treatment parameters based on the detected washware type. Rather than using a static compromise program, the system continuously adjusts temperature, water pressure, chemical dosage, and cycle duration to match the specific requirements of each washware type, achieving both versatility and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The detector apparatus segments washware into different types and soiling categories, allowing the control system to select appropriate treatment protocols for each segment. This segmentation enables the system to maintain versatility across different washware types while achieving precision-optimized cleaning for each category
4Reliability
If manual program selection is required for different washware types, then optimal treatment can be achieved, but operator training and intervention are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The washware detector apparatus and control system work together to automatically identify washware types and select appropriate treatment programs without operator intervention. This eliminates the need for manual program selection while maintaining treatment optimization, resolving the contradiction between reliability and operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual operator decision-making with an automated detection and control system. The washware detector apparatus uses optical or sensor-based detection to identify washware characteristics, and the control system automatically translates this information into optimized treatment parameters, substituting human judgment with automated sensing and control
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher (1), in particular a commercial dishwasher (1), which is in the form of a box-type dishwasher and has a treatment chamber (2) which can be closed and in which washware can be treated in accordance with a predefined or predefinable treatment program, wherein a washware detector apparatus (51) is designed to detect the type of washware to be, wherein the washware detector apparatus (51) has an optical identification system, which is oriented toward the washware to be treated, and an evaluation device, wherein the optical identification system is designed to record at least a portion of the light reflected by the washware to be treated as a reflection image, and wherein the evaluation device is designed to automatically distinguish between different types of washware on the basis of the recorded reflection image, wherein the extent of the reflection provides information about the type of washware.