Leveling device for a domestic appliance, domestic appliance and leveling method for a domestic appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for leveling household appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, are inefficient and require operators to repeatedly stand up and down to adjust screw feet based on a spirit level, often necessitating a second operator to read the bubble level, which complicates the process and increases the risk of imprecision.
Innovation Solution
A leveling device that uses an external position sensor, such as a gyro sensor, to transmit signals to a receiving unit, which determines the necessary adjustment measures based on stored data about the appliance, allowing operators to adjust the appliance's level without needing to read a spirit level, thereby simplifying and enhancing the precision of the leveling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spirit level is placed on the appliance for leveling, then the level position can be indicated, but the operator cannot read the spirit level while working on the floor and must repeatedly stand up or call a second operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (mobile device with camera and image processing system) that captures the spirit level reading and transmits it to the operator. The camera takes a picture of the spirit level bubble, the image is processed to determine the level reading, and the result is displayed on the mobile device screen, allowing the operator to read the level position without standing up or needing a second person.
2Measurement precision
If a second operator is used to read the spirit level, then the leveling process can be completed, but the complexity of the process increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing a single operator to perform both the adjustment task and the reading task. The mobile device automatically captures the spirit level reading, processes the image to extract the level information, and displays it to the operator, eliminating the need for a second operator and thereby improving productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If an external position sensor is used for leveling, then the appliance cost can be kept low, but the positioning and measurement process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a mobile device (smartphone or tablet) that the operator already possesses and carries. This universal device serves multiple functions: capturing the spirit level reading via camera, processing the image to extract level information, and displaying the results. By leveraging an existing multi-functional device rather than adding dedicated positioning equipment to the appliance, the system keeps appliance costs low while avoiding the complexity of integrating new hardware.
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 allows for more efficient and precise leveling of household appliances by enabling operators to adjust the appliance's level from the ground without needing to read a spirit level, reducing the need for a second operator and lowering costs by utilizing existing mobile devices with sensors, such as smartphones, for position detection.
Implementation Method 1
The position sensor external to the household appliance is, in particular, a gyroscope
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a leveling device (1) for a domestic appliance (7), comprising a receiving unit (2) for receiving a signal (6) indicative of a level information regarding the domestic appliance (7) and emitted by a level indicator (5) which is outside the domestic appliance (7), a determination unit (3) for determining an adjustment measure for adapting the level of the domestic appliance (7) indicated by the received signal (6) and an output unit (4) for outputting instructions regarding certain adjustment measures to be taken.