Dishwasher Automatic Rack and Door Movement for Ergonomic Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household dishwashers often require manual operation for loading and unloading, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, particularly affecting ergonomics and washing results.
Innovation Solution
A system with a control apparatus that automatically pivots the door and moves dishwasher racks based on user input and analysis of loading requests, using sensors and machine learning to optimize the loading and unloading process, allowing for ergonomic operation and improved washing outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for loading and unloading dishwasher racks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects user presence via sensors and autonomously executes the movement sequence for extending racks and opening the door, eliminating the need for manual operation. The control apparatus serves itself by interpreting sensor data and autonomously controlling the movement facility and pivoting facility, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring complex user interaction interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically extending the racks and opening the door before the user needs to load items. The control apparatus detects user approach in advance and initiates the movement sequence proactively, preparing the loading position beforehand. This eliminates the need for manual rack extension and door opening, improving ease of operation while keeping the automation system relatively simple.
2Ease of operation
If automatic movement of racks and door is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus serves multiple functions: it executes washing programs, detects user presence via sensors, determines movement sequences, and controls both the movement facility and pivoting facility. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single control apparatus, the system improves ease of operation through automation while avoiding the need for separate control systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the control of the movement facility (for rack extension) and the pivoting facility (for door opening) into a single integrated movement sequence controlled by one control apparatus. This consolidation allows the system to achieve coordinated automatic operation of multiple components while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent control systems, thus improving ease of operation with moderate complexity increase.
3Productivity
If the door is automatically opened and racks are extended, then the loading efficiency is improved, but the loss of time increases due to automated sequence execution
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic sensor checks to detect user presence and triggers the automatic movement sequence only when needed. The control apparatus continuously monitors sensor data at regular intervals, and when user approach is detected, it executes the predetermined movement sequence. This periodic monitoring approach improves loading efficiency by ensuring the system is ready when the user arrives, while minimizing unnecessary automated operations that would waste time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a predetermined movement sequence that is determined in advance based on sensor input. The control apparatus stores and executes this pre-planned sequence, copying the necessary actions (rack extension, door opening) in the optimal order without requiring real-time decision-making. This approach improves productivity by eliminating delays in processing, while the predetermined nature of the sequence prevents excessive time loss through unnecessary steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a dishwasher having a dishwasher cavity, a door for closing the dishwasher cavity, and a number of receptacles receiving items to be washed. A control apparatus executes a washing program from a plurality of washing programs so as to wash the items to be washed. A pivoting facility is provided to automatically pivot the door, and a movement facility automatically moves at least one of the receptacles. An ascertaining unit ascertains a loading request of a user of a number of loading requests for loading and unloading the dishwasher cavity, and a determining unit determines a movement sequence including a pivoting of the door and a movement of one of the receptacles based on the ascertained loading request. An actuation unit actuates the pivoting facility and the movement facility so as to perform the determined movement sequence.