Household appliance, in particular dishwasher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwasher door switch arrangements for interior lighting are prone to contamination, require extensive wiring, and offer fixed preset switching points, limiting user customization and safety features.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an acceleration sensor within the door control system to detect door inclination and movement direction, allowing for customizable lighting control, including dimming, without additional cabling, and independent operation of hazard warning lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical switch mounted on the door hinge is used, then the interior lighting can be switched on and off at a fixed switching point, but the switch is highly susceptible to dirt and grime contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch mounted on the door hinge with an acceleration sensor that detects door opening movements through acceleration signals. This substitution eliminates the mechanical contact points that are susceptible to dirt and grime, while still achieving reliable detection of door opening events to control interior lighting.
2Ease of operation
If a recessed switch with retractable button and weight is used, then the light source can be switched on depending on door swing angle, but the switching point is fixed and preset at the factory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the lighting system by using an acceleration sensor that can detect different door opening scenarios. The system allows flexible configuration of switching parameters through the control unit, enabling adaptation to different user needs and door opening behaviors without being constrained by a fixed preset switching point.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables parameter changes in the lighting control system by allowing the switching threshold and timing parameters to be adjusted through the control unit. The acceleration sensor provides raw data that can be processed with different thresholds and algorithms to achieve various switching behaviors, making the system adaptable to different applications.
3Extent of automation
If additional wiring is provided for switch installation and control unit connection, then timer function can be implemented, but the wiring effort is comparatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an acceleration sensor that serves multiple functions: detecting door opening events for lighting control, providing data for timer functions, and enabling various other control scenarios. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate wiring for different features, as the single sensor can support multiple automation functions through software configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of door opening detection, lighting control, and timer functionality into a single integrated system using the acceleration sensor. By combining these functions that would traditionally require separate switches and wiring into one sensor-based system, the patent significantly reduces wiring complexity while maintaining full automation capabilities.
4Device complexity
If the acceleration sensor is integrated into the door control unit, then no additional wiring is required, but the sensor must accurately detect door tilt and movement direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the acceleration sensor as an intermediary device that translates physical door movement into electrical signals that the control unit can process. By positioning the sensor within the door structure and using it as an intermediary between the mechanical door movement and the electronic control system, the patent achieves accurate detection without requiring additional wiring 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
Provides a user-friendly, customizable, and safe lighting system that eliminates contamination risks and wiring complexities, enabling flexible switching and dimming based on door position and movement, enhancing user safety and appliance usability.
Implementation Method 1
a switch arrangement which includes an acceleration sensor (7), in particular a tilt sensor, for the door (5)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The appliance i.e. dishwasher (1), has a housing (2) forming an inner area (3) and comprising a feeding opening (4). The opening is closed by a door (5) pivotably supported around a horizontally-running pivot axis (6). A light source (9) is arranged in the inner area and operated by a switch arrangement arranged in the door, where the switch arrangement comprises an acceleration sensor (7). The switch arrangement comprises a control device (8) that acts together with the acceleration sensor. The light source is switched based on a door opening angle (Phi) and/or door movement direction.