Dishwasher Door Cable Lighting Control for Drying Energy Savings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers with existing illumination systems for the washing compartment and antechamber tend to consume excessive energy as the lighting remains on for extended periods when the door is slightly opened for drying, even if only minimally, due to the reliance on microswitches and Hall sensors that require a fully or almost fully closed door for activation.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a cable pull mechanism actuated by the door's weight, which decouples and activates a microswitch only when a specific door opening angle is reached, allowing the lighting to be switched on when the door is opened more than approximately 10°, ensuring air exchange for drying without unnecessary energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microswitches or Hall sensors are used to control lighting based on door position, then the lighting can be switched on when the door is closed, but the lighting remains on for extended periods when the door is slightly opened for drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from binary (door closed/open) to angular threshold-based control. The cable pull mechanism detects when the door opening angle exceeds a specific threshold (e.g., 10 degrees), and only then activates the lighting. This parameter change allows the system to distinguish between slight door openings for drying and full openings for loading/unloading, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining reliable lighting control.
2Ease of operation
If the lighting is switched on when the door is opened slightly for drying, then air exchange is sufficient, but energy consumption increases due to extended lighting operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the door opening angle as a control parameter to determine lighting activation. By setting a threshold angle (e.g., 10 degrees), the system allows slight door openings for air exchange during drying without activating the lighting, thus supporting the drying function while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption. The lighting is only activated when the door is opened sufficiently wide, indicating actual loading or unloading operations.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the cable pull mechanism is used to detect door opening angle, then lighting can be controlled based on threshold angle, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable pull mechanism as an intermediary element between the door and the lighting control system. This mechanical intermediary converts the door's angular position into linear displacement of the cable, which then actuates a switching element. This intermediary approach allows for simple threshold-based control without requiring complex electronic sensors or actuators, thereby achieving energy-efficient lighting control with minimal increase in device complexity.
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 effectively reduces energy consumption by ensuring the lighting remains off when the door is slightly opened, optimizing energy usage and maintaining sufficient air exchange for drying processes.
Implementation Method 1
A cable pull 11 is suspended in a recess (not visible) at the end of the arm 9 by means of an eyelet 10. The cable 11 is deflected over two rollers 12 and 13 and is connected to its other end 14 with a tension spring 15 (see Figures 3a to d) tied together.
Implementation Method 2
The retaining plate 19 carries a microswitch 20 and an actuator 21, see also figure 2. The actuator 21 comprises a stamp 22, a roller holder 23 and a pressure roller 24.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c~3d
AI summary
The dishwasher (1) has a washing container (2) that is sealed on a front side via a device door (3), which is pivotable about a horizontal axis at a base-sided section. A lamp (6) illuminates the container and/or an antechamber. A control unit switches on or off the lamp based on a closed condition of the door. The control unit has a switching element (7) that is actuated via a cable for compensating door weight. The cable is arranged on the door such that pivoting of the door causes a pivoting movement of a section of the cable.