Dishwasher with integrated closure element having an antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers with metal construction and metallic front panels act as Faraday shields, making it challenging to provide effective wireless communication due to the obstruction of wireless signals, which is essential for remote management and connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a radio system with multiple antennas, including a front antenna located adjacent to the user interface and a rear antenna, strategically positioned to achieve comprehensive wireless signal coverage around the dishwasher, overcoming the interference caused by the metallic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a metallic front panel is used to cover the entire front surface of the door, then the appearance becomes sleek and clean, but wireless signals are blocked due to Faraday shield effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple segments: a first antenna on the door and a second antenna on the housing. This segmentation allows the metallic front panel to maintain its appearance while the distributed antenna system ensures at least one antenna remains accessible to wireless signals for communication.
2Strength
If the dishwasher is constructed primarily of metal connected to earth ground, then structural integrity and shielding are improved, but wireless signal transmission is prevented due to Faraday shield effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into multiple locations (door and housing) so that while the metal construction provides structural integrity and grounding, at least one antenna position remains accessible to external wireless signals for effective communication.
3Reliability
If multiple antennas are strategically positioned, then complete wireless signal coverage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a segmented antenna system with a first antenna on the door and a second antenna on the housing. This segmentation provides complete wireless signal coverage by ensuring at least one antenna remains accessible, while the modular placement keeps the implementation relatively simple and maintainable.
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
Ensures reliable and complete wireless signal coverage for the dishwasher, enabling effective remote communication and operation despite the presence of metal components, ensuring accessibility and control through the integration of antenna diversity.
Implementation Method 1
a radio system communicably coupled with the controller, the radio system including a plurality of antennas and a radio operably coupled with the plurality of antennas
Implementation Method 2
most dishwashers are primarily constructed of metal that is electrically connected to earth ground and acts as a large Faraday shield that does not allow wireless signals to escape the dishwasher
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher with an integrated closure element, such as a pivoting door or sliding drawer front, having a metallic front panel extending from an upper edge to a lower edge of the closure element includes a control console located at an upper end of the closure element. The control console includes an antenna located adjacent a user interface.