Dishwasher Rinse Aid Detection Using Turbidity Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashing machines lack an efficient method to detect the release of rinse aid during the dishwashing cycle, which affects the drying stage and overall cycle efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dishwashing machine equipped with a turbidity sensor and electronic controller that determines the presence of rinse aid by measuring turbidity levels before and after the dispenser is activated, allowing for adjustment of the drying stage duration and temperature based on the detected presence of rinse aid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a turbidity sensor and control system are added to detect rinse aid presence, then drying performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with an optical turbidity sensor that measures light scattering properties of the washing fluid. This optical approach simplifies the detection mechanism while providing reliable rinse aid presence identification, resolving the contradiction between improved drying performance and reduced device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a turbidity sensor as an intermediary measurement device that indirectly detects rinse aid presence by measuring fluid optical properties rather than directly sensing the rinse aid chemical. This intermediary approach enables reliable detection with simpler hardware, addressing the contradiction between enhanced functionality and system simplicity
2Reliability
If the drying stage is extended to improve drying performance, then drying quality improves, but cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the drying stage duration and temperature based on real-time turbidity measurements. When rinse aid is detected (indicating good drying conditions), the system shortens the drying stage; when rinse aid is absent, the system extends drying. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing drying quality while minimizing cycle time based on actual conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control where turbidity sensor measurements during the rinse cycle inform drying stage parameter adjustments. The system continuously monitors fluid turbidity, detects rinse aid presence, and uses this feedback to automatically optimize drying stage duration and temperature, achieving high drying quality without fixed extended cycle times
3Reliability
If rinse aid is always added during the rinse cycle, then drying performance improves, but substance consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to self-regulate rinse aid usage based on detected washing conditions through turbidity measurement. The control system automatically determines when rinse aid addition is beneficial and adjusts dispensing accordingly, eliminating wasteful routine addition while maintaining drying performance when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between performance and substance consumption
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 system effectively detects the presence of rinse aid, optimizing the drying stage by adjusting its duration and temperature, thereby improving drying performance and reducing cycle time and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a turbidity sensor operable to measure turbidity of fluid in the washing chamber and generate an electrical output signal indicative thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwashing machine configured to detect the presence of rinse aid in fluid in a washing chamber of the dishwashing machine. An electronic controller selects the drying stage of the dishwashing cycle based on whether rinse aid is present.