Dishwasher Camera Closure Element to Prevent Unauthorized Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashers with camera units for visually detecting the washing compartment can unintentionally record the outside atmosphere when the washing compartment door is open, raising concerns about privacy and data protection.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical closure element that can be moved to deactivate or activate the camera unit, ensuring it is only active when the washing compartment door is closed, preventing unwanted image capture and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the camera unit is installed to detect the washing compartment, then load detection and soiling assessment are improved, but unauthorized visual recording of the outside atmosphere may occur when the door is open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a closure element that proactively blocks the camera unit's field of view when the washing compartment door is open. This preventive measure stops unauthorized recording before it can occur, while allowing full camera operation when the door is closed and loading is being performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element serves as an intermediary between the camera unit and the external environment. It selectively controls the camera's field of view, acting as a mechanical mediator that blocks external views when the door is open while allowing internal washing compartment views when closed, thus resolving the privacy concern without compromising load detection functionality.
2Reliability
If the camera unit remains active whenever the door is open, then detection functionality is maintained, but energy is wasted when the camera is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the camera unit's operation to match the actual need cycles. The camera is activated during loading phases when the door is closed and deactivated during door-open phases, creating a periodic on-off pattern that aligns with operational requirements and reduces unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically controlling the camera's activation and deactivation based on the door position state. The closure element's position automatically triggers camera on/off states without requiring separate control systems, allowing the mechanical state of the door to directly manage the camera's energy consumption.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a mechanical closure element is added to control the camera, then privacy protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the camera control function into the existing door closure mechanism. The closure element that already serves to close the washing compartment is combined with the camera blocking function, eliminating the need for a separate camera shutter mechanism and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining privacy protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a door closure component and as a camera control mechanism. This universal element performs multiple functions: sealing the washing compartment, indicating door status, and controlling camera activation, thereby avoiding the addition of dedicated complexity for camera control alone.
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A dishwasher with a wash chamber (2) providing a wash chamber (3), which has a loading opening (6) that can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of a wash chamber door (5), and with a camera unit (13) for visually detecting the wash chamber (3), characterized by a locking element (22) for mechanically deactivating the camera unit (13), wherein the locking element (22) can be moved from a first position deactivating the camera unit (13) to a second position activating the camera unit (13) and vice versa, and by means (20) that cause the locking element (22) to be moved from the first position to the second position and vice versa.