Appliance Tool Detection via Multi-Component Magnetic Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kitchen appliances lack an efficient and reliable method to detect the tool in use, which affects safety and comfort of operation.

Innovation Solution

The appliance incorporates a motor-driven tool with an identification component generating a magnetic field with multiple components, polarity states, and field strengths, detected by sensors to determine the tool type and provide feedback for optimal operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a magnetic identification component with multiple field components is used, then tool detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool detection reliabilityVSAvoididentification component complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The identification component is segmented into multiple independent magnetic field components, each capable of representing a specific aspect of tool identity. This segmentation allows the system to encode more information reliably while maintaining a modular structure that can be detected through sequential or simultaneous measurement of each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the identification system from a single-dimensional magnetic field to a multi-dimensional space with multiple field components. Each component adds a new dimension to the magnetic signature, enabling more reliable and distinctive tool identification without requiring stronger or more complex single-field solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple magnetic field components with different polarity states are used, then the number of distinguishable tool types increases, but measurement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of distinguishable tool typesVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each magnetic field component is assigned a specific local quality characteristic (such as polarity state, field strength, or spatial orientation) that contributes to the overall tool identification. This allows the system to differentiate between tool types by measuring specific local properties rather than requiring a complete and complex analysis of the entire magnetic field.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic identification system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same basic magnetic component structure can represent multiple tool types through different combinations of polarity states and field strengths. This universal design allows a single identification component type to serve multiple identification purposes, increasing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If magnetic sensors are used to detect multiple field components, then tool detection precision is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool detection precisionVSAvoidsensor energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system employs periodic measurement of magnetic field components rather than continuous monitoring. By measuring each field component at specific intervals or in a sequential manner, the system achieves high measurement precision while minimizing the total energy consumption of the magnetic sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system measures only the necessary number of magnetic field components required for accurate tool identification, rather than continuously measuring all possible components. This partial measurement approach maintains sufficient detection precision while reducing the energy burden on the sensor system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 reliable and efficient tool detection, improving safety and comfort by adapting operational parameters based on the detected tool and tracking usage time.

Implementation Method 1

Each tool from the set of K different tools comprises an identification component which is configured to generate a magnetic field that is indicative of a magnetic code

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The appliance comprises a detection unit (with one or more magnetic sensors, e.g. Hall sensors) configured to provide measurement information regarding the magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4062812B1Appliance and method for tool detection
Publication Date: 2024.09.18 BOSCH SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4062812B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4062812B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4062812B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

An appliance (100) is described, wherein the appliance (100) comprises a motor (102) configured to drive a tool (107) which is attached to the motor (102), and a receptacle (104) configured to take up content that is to be processed within the receptacle (104) using the tool (107) which is attached to and/or driven by the motor (102). The appliance (100) is configured such that the tool (107) which is attached to the motor (102) is selectable in an interchangeable manner from a set of K different tools (107), with K≥ 2, wherein each tool (107) from the set of K different tools (107) comprises an identification component (210) which is configured to generate a magnetic field that is indicative of a magnetic code from a set of K different magnetic codes for the respective K different tools (107). The appliance (100) further comprises a detection unit (220) configured to provide measurement information regarding the magnetic field that is generated by the identification component (210) of the tool (107) which is attached to the motor (102). In addition, the appliance (100) comprises a control unit (101) which is configured to determine, based on the measurement information, whether or not a tool (107) and/or which tool (107) from the set of K different tools (107) is attached to the motor (102); and/or to operate the appliance (100) in dependence of the measurement information, in particular in dependence of whether or not a tool (107) and/or in dependence of which tool (107) from the set of K different tools (107) is attached to the motor (102).