Appliance Knock Sensor Placement to Reduce Heat-Induced Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Appliances with opaque doors face challenges in energy efficiency and user convenience due to energy loss when doors are opened, and the complexity of integrating sensors for knock-on functions is hindered by high-temperature environments and the need for accurate vibration differentiation.
Innovation Solution
A sensing module with a sensor and transfer member system that accurately differentiates knock inputs from other vibrations by using a three-axes sensor module and a support assembly to maintain medium homogeneity, allowing for efficient energy management and user-friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manipulation switch is added to control the light, then the light can be turned on/off, but the number of manipulation switches increases, deteriorating aesthetic qualities and ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The knock sensor enables the system to automatically detect user intent and activate the light without requiring manual switch manipulation. The appliance serves itself by converting knock vibrations directly into control signals, eliminating the need for separate manipulation switches and improving both aesthetics and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manipulation switch system with a vibration-based knock detection system. By using a knock sensor to detect mechanical vibrations from user knocks, the system substitutes traditional electrical switch manipulation with a more intuitive mechanical interaction, reducing the number of physical switches needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor is installed on the door to detect knock, then knock-on function can be implemented, but the high-temperature environment may cause the sensor to malfunction or break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat-insulating member as an intermediary between the door and the knock sensor. This intermediary component blocks thermal transmission from the high-temperature door environment to the sensor, protecting the sensor from thermal damage while still allowing it to detect knock vibrations effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-insulating member creates a thermally inert environment around the knock sensor, isolating it from the high-temperature conditions on the door. This thermal isolation protects the sensor from thermal stress and potential failure, ensuring reliable operation in an otherwise hostile thermal environment.
3Illumination intensity
If the door is opened to check objects, then visibility is improved, but cold air leaks outward causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The knock sensor enables preliminary action by allowing users to activate the interior light before opening the door. Users can knock to illuminate the interior space and verify object presence or status through the see-through window, eliminating the need to open the door for checking contents and preventing unnecessary cold air leakage.
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
Enhances energy efficiency by minimizing energy loss and improves user convenience through accurate knock detection, enabling efficient control of appliance functions like lighting without manual switch manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
a lamp operates, if a sensor senses sound waves generated by a knock input applied to the door
Implementation Method 2
the knock sensor may include a vibration sensor that detects vibrations caused by a knock input
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an appliance. The appliance includes; a main body that has a first accommodation space therein, and a first sensing module that is disposed at the main body in a way that the first sensing module is disposed outside the first accommodation space. Since a sensor is disposed to avoid the effect of heat as described above, the sensor is much less likely to operate improperly or be broken because of heat.