Dosing system for a dishwasher machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing systems for dishwashers with wireless signal transmission face issues with signal shadows and signal shielding, which have not been satisfactorily addressed.
Innovation Solution
A dosing system utilizing optical communication with a light source emitting in the 700nm-1000nm wavelength range, a transparent cartridge with high transmittance, and surface roughness to ensure diffuse signal radiation, reducing the risk of signal shadows and shielding, and allowing for secure and stable communication between the dosing device and the dishwasher.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a light source is used for optical communication in a dishwasher, then data exchange between the dosing device and dishwasher is enabled, but signal shadows and signal shielding occur due to pots and other items arranged above the dosing device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from directional point-to-point optical communication to omnidirectional diffuse optical communication by making the cartridge surface act as a scattering medium. This changes the dimensionality of signal propagation from a narrow beam to a distributed radiation pattern covering multiple spatial dimensions, thereby avoiding signal shadows and shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge surface acts as an intermediary between the light source and the receiving device. Instead of direct light transmission, the cartridge surface scatters and diffuses the optical signal, mediating the communication process to eliminate the impact of obstructing objects like pots and pans.
2Loss of information
If the light source emits in the visible range, then communication is achieved, but the preparations stored in the cartridge absorb light, requiring higher energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the optical signal from the visible range to the near-infrared range (700nm-1000nm). This parameter change exploits the fact that dishwasher preparations are transparent in this wavelength range, minimizing light absorption and reducing the energy required for signal transmission.
3Illumination intensity
If a focused optical signal is used for communication, then signal strength is high, but signal shadows and shielding occur when covered by items being washed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms focused unidirectional optical communication into diffuse omnidirectional communication. The cartridge surface scatters light in multiple directions, creating a distributed signal field that surrounds the dosing device rather than a narrow beam, thereby eliminating signal shadows and shielding effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the optical transparency properties of the preparation at different wavelengths. By selecting the near-infrared wavelength range where preparations are transparent, the system achieves effective signal transmission without absorption, complementing the diffuse radiation approach.
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
The solution provides stable and secure optical communication, minimizing signal interference and ensuring effective data exchange, even when covered by items being washed, with low energy consumption and aesthetic design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a light source is used for optical communication, which emits light at least in a wavelength range between 700nm-1000nm
Implementation Method 2
The preparations stored in the cartridge are formulated in such a way that they have a transmittance of 75%-99% in the wavelength range between 700nm-1 mm
Implementation Method 3
The outward-facing surfaces of the cartridge have, at least in sections, a surface roughness between 0.5-5 microns... This causes sufficient scattering of the light through the cartridge
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a dosing system (1) for releasing at least one detergent preparation (A,B,C) into a dishwasher machine, comprising a dosing appliance (2) with a light source (4) and a cartridge (3) that can be coupled to the dosing appliance (2) and in which at least one flowable preparation (A,B,C) is stored, wherein the cartridge (3) has a width (b)-depth (t) ratio of 3:1 to 20:1 and a height (h)-depth (t) ratio of 3:1 to 20:1, and the walls of the cartridge (3) have, at least in sections, a transmission rate in the wavelength range between 700nm and 1 mm, preferably between 700nm and 1000nm, of 75%-99%, the flowable preparation (A,B,C) has a transmission rate in the wavelength range between 700nm and 1 mm, preferably 700nm-1000nm, of 75%-99%, the outwardly-oriented surface of the cartridge (3) has, at least in sections, a surface roughness of between 0.5 and 5 microns, preferably between 0.75 and 2.5 microns, especially preferably between 1 and 1.5 microns, and the light source (4) that emits light at least in a wavelength range between 700nm and 1 mm, preferably 700nm and 1000nm, irradiates into the cartridge, the light source (4) having a radiation angle a larger than 5°, preferably between 5° and 60°; and the light source (4) and the cartridge (3) are configured such that the average path length of the light beam (L) through the cartridge (3) corresponds to between 0,1*105 and10*105, preferably between 0,5*105 and 7,5*105, particularly preferably between 1,0*105 and 6,5 *105 times the wavelength of the light emitted from the light source (4).