Dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwasher designs are complex and expensive due to the need for a fluid-tight camera unit arrangement, which requires additional apertures in the washing container wall, leading to potential leakage and component weakening.

Innovation Solution

Integrating the camera unit into the dispenser on the washing compartment door, utilizing the existing aperture for the dispenser, which simplifies production and eliminates the need for additional sealing, thus ensuring fluid-tightness and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the camera unit is integrated into the washing container wall with an additional aperture, then the washing compartment can be visually sensed, but the container wall is weakened and fluid-tightness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual sensing capabilityVSAvoidfluid-tightness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The camera unit is merged with the dispenser unit, combining two separate components into one integrated assembly. The camera unit is positioned within the dispenser housing, which already has an aperture in the washing compartment door, eliminating the need for additional apertures in the washing container wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dispenser aperture serves dual purposes: it accommodates both the dispenser nozzle for detergent delivery and the camera unit for visual sensing. This multi-functional use of the same aperture maintains fluid-tightness while enabling both dispensing and imaging functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the camera unit is integrated into the washing container wall, then the washing compartment can be visually sensed, but the implementation becomes complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual sensing capabilityVSAvoidimplementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera unit is merged with the dispenser unit, combining two separate components into one integrated assembly. The camera unit is positioned within the dispenser housing, which already has an aperture in the washing compartment door, eliminating the need for additional apertures in the washing container wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dispenser housing structure is utilized to accommodate the camera unit, leveraging the existing design and manufacturing processes for the dispenser. This approach allows the camera unit to be integrated without requiring separate mounting structures or additional manufacturing steps for the washing container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the camera unit is integrated into the washing container wall, then the washing compartment can be visually sensed, but additional sealing is required which increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual sensing capabilityVSAvoidsealing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser aperture serves dual purposes: it accommodates both the dispenser nozzle for detergent delivery and the camera unit for visual sensing. This multi-functional use of the same aperture maintains fluid-tightness while enabling both dispensing and imaging functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera unit is merged with the dispenser unit, combining two separate components into one integrated assembly. The camera unit is positioned within the dispenser housing, which already has an aperture in the washing compartment door, eliminating the need for additional apertures in the washing container wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11786101B2Dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 MIELE & CO KG

AI summary

A dishwasher includes: a washing container having a washing compartment and a loading opening for loading items to be washed; a washing compartment door by which the loading opening is closeable in a fluid-tight manner; and a camera unit for visually sensing the washing compartment. The camera unit is integrated into a dispenser provided by the washing compartment door.