Dishwasher Basket Position Lighting for Safer Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers lack effective user guidance and support for the operation of washware baskets, leading to potential damage from improper handling, such as the washware basket being struck by the door or pulled out with excessive speed, resulting in dislodged items.
Innovation Solution
A non-contacting device for recognizing the movement position of the washware basket, coupled with a control device that adjusts light sources based on the basket's position, providing optical feedback through illumination, color, and illuminance to guide the user on proper handling and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical indicators are provided on the door or compartment walls, then user guidance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning light sources at specific locations (door, compartment walls, or basket) that directly correspond to the areas needing user guidance. The illumination is localized to indicate specific movement positions or states of the washware basket, providing targeted visual feedback only where needed rather than general illumination throughout the entire dishwasher.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by using the washware basket itself as part of the indication system. When the basket is equipped with light sources or reflective elements, it automatically provides visual feedback about its own position and state during insertion or withdrawal, eliminating the need for separate complex sensing and indication systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If a non-contacting position detection device is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based position detection with non-contacting detection methods. Instead of using physical switches or mechanical sensors that require direct contact with the basket, the system uses optical fields (light sources and sensors) to detect basket position and movement state without physical contact, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining adequate precision for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces light as an intermediary between the washware basket and the detection system. Light sources illuminate the basket or its surroundings, and light sensors detect the reflected or transmitted light to determine basket position. This optical intermediary enables non-contacting detection without requiring direct mechanical or electrical contact between the detection device and the basket.
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
Enhances user guidance and safety by dynamically indicating the washware basket's position and handling status through light-based cues, preventing damage and facilitating the operation of the washware basket without requiring modifications to existing baskets.
Implementation Method 1
A non-contacting device for the recognition of at least one movement position of the washware basket and a control device which controls at least one light source arranged in and/or on the dishwasher, dependent on the at least one movement position of the washware basket
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes a dishwashing compartment having a loading opening which can be closed by a door configured. At least one washware basket is provided for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment, with at least one movement position of the washware basket being recognized by a device. At least one light source is arranged in or on the dishwasher and controlled by a control device in dependence on the at least one movement position of the washware basket.