Consumer Appliance Cartridge Detection With Colored-Region Optical Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer appliances with replaceable cartridges face challenges in accurately tracking usage without the need for LEDs, particularly in low ambient light conditions, and may reset usage counts without user feedback.
Innovation Solution
A consumer appliance with a body and a removably mounted cartridge featuring colored regions and emitters/sensors that project and detect light, allowing accurate tracking of cartridge presence and usage in various lighting conditions, using a control circuit to process signals from multiple light sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical detection systems with LEDs are used to detect cartridge presence, then the system can detect cartridge presence, but it may confuse cartridge presence with low ambient light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces colored regions as an intermediary element on the cartridge surface that modifies light reflection in a way that is distinct from ambient light conditions. The emitters project light onto these colored regions, and light sensors detect the reflected light characteristics, creating a mediation layer between the detection system and the cartridge that eliminates confusion with ambient light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies color changes by incorporating colored regions on the cartridge surface that reflect specific wavelengths of light. Different colored regions can indicate different cartridge types, usage states, or performance levels. The emitters and light sensors are configured to detect these color-specific reflections, enabling accurate cartridge identification independent of ambient lighting conditions.
2Ease of operation
If usage count is reset automatically without user feedback, then the system simplifies operation, but it may lead to unintended resets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by requiring user confirmation through the user interface before resetting the usage count. The system detects cartridge presence and monitors usage, then presents a confirmation prompt to the user when a reset is needed. This feedback loop ensures that resets are intentional and accurate, preventing unintended count resets while maintaining ease of operation through automated monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If multiple emitters and light sensors are used to detect colored regions, then the system achieves accurate cartridge detection, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the optical system where emitters and light sensors serve multiple functions. The same emitters and light sensors used for detecting cartridge presence also detect the colored regions for cartridge identification and usage state monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high identification accuracy.
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
Enables precise detection of cartridge presence and usage across different lighting conditions, providing user feedback on cartridge status and performance, enhancing user experience and maintenance awareness.
Implementation Method 1
A first light sensor positioned on the body that sends a first signal to the control circuit based on a color of light reflected from the first colored region
Data Source
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AI summary
A consumer appliance with a body. A cartridge removably mounted to the body. The cartridge having a surface with a first colored region and a second colored region. A control circuit positioned within the body. A first emitter positioned on the body that projects a light at the first colored region. A second emitter positioned on the body that projects light at the second colored region. A first light sensor positioned on the body that sends a first signal to the control circuit based on a color of light reflected from the first colored region.