appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing appliances face challenges in effectively sensing knock inputs due to high-temperature environments and limited installation points for sensors, leading to inaccurate sensing and potential damage to sensors.
Innovation Solution
The appliance incorporates a sensing module with a sensor and a transfer member to sense vibrations caused by a knock input, allowing for accurate detection even when the sensor is installed far from the door to avoid high-temperature environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor is installed on the door to sense knock inputs, then the sensing accuracy is improved, but the sensor is exposed to high-temperature heat causing potential damage and operational errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transfer member as an intermediary element that couples the door to the sensor. This transfer member transmits vibration signals from the door to the sensor while allowing the sensor to be positioned in a cooler environment away from direct heat exposure. The transfer member acts as a mediator that preserves the sensing function while protecting the sensor from harmful thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the door structure, the transfer member, and the sensor assembly. This segmentation allows the sensor to be positioned independently from the high-temperature door area while maintaining effective vibration transmission through the transfer member. The functional separation resolves the contradiction by decoupling the sensing location from the heat source.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sensor is installed far from the door to avoid heat, then the sensor is protected from heat damage, but the knock sensing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer member serves as an extended intermediary that bridges the gap between the door and the remotely positioned sensor. It maintains effective vibration transmission over the increased distance by providing a direct mechanical coupling path, thus preserving sensing accuracy even when the sensor is located farther from the door in a cooler environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the sensing arrangement by introducing a transfer member with specific mechanical properties that optimize vibration transmission. This allows the sensor position parameter to be changed (moved farther from the door) while maintaining sensing performance through appropriate transfer member design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple manipulation switches are added to control the light, then the light control functionality is improved, but the aesthetic quality and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses knock detection as a self-service input method where the appliance responds to natural user actions (knocking on the door) without requiring separate control switches. This eliminates the need for multiple manipulation switches while maintaining light control functionality, thereby improving ease of operation and reducing user confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The knock detection mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as both a door interaction method and a light control input. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control switches, simplifying the interface while maintaining versatile control capabilities.
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 enables effective sensing of knock inputs with improved accuracy and reduced impact from heat, allowing for reliable operation in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for sensing vibrations caused by a user input
Data Source
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AI summary
An appliance, in particular a home appliance, comprising: a main body (10) having a cavity (11); a door (16) at a front side of the main body (10) for opening and closing the cavity (11); and a sensing module (100) for sensing vibrations caused by a knock input to the door (16), the sensing module (100) being arranged outside of the cavity (11), wherein the sensing module (100) comprises: a sensor (110) configured to sense vibrations of the door (16) and disposed at a rear side of the main body (10); and a transfer member (130) configured to transfer vibrations of the door (16) to the sensor (110) and extending in front-rear direction.