Dishwasher Key Detection Circuit for Low-Power Standby Wake-Up

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dishwashers in power savings mode consume power continuously to detect key presses, which contradicts the goal of low power draw during idle states, and often require a dedicated wake-up key, affecting user experience and energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A detector logic circuit that alternates between 'on' and 'off' states to detect key presses, using a periodic strobe signal and clock signal to transition the dishwasher from a low-power mode to a stand-by mode without a dedicated wake-up key, allowing for intermittent power usage and reduced overall power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the detection circuit is kept on continuously to detect key presses, then the key press detection reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey press detection reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The detector logic circuit operates periodically by switching between active and inactive states based on a clock signal. During inactive periods, the circuit consumes minimal power while still maintaining the capability to detect key presses when activated, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous detection reliability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Device complexity

If a dedicated wake-up key is used to activate the dishwasher from power savings mode, then the key press detection is simplified, but the user experience deteriorates due to requiring an additional key

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection circuit complexityVSAvoiduser experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Any key on the control panel can serve as a wake-up trigger, not just a dedicated wake-up key. The detector logic circuit monitors multiple key inputs and activates the dishwasher from power savings mode upon detecting any key press during active periods, thereby simplifying the detection mechanism while enhancing user convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If the detector logic circuit is kept in active state, then the key press response time is improved, but the power draw increases above the 0.5 Watt requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey press response timeVSAvoidpower draw

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The detector logic circuit is activated periodically based on a clock signal rather than continuously. This periodic activation reduces the average power draw to below 0.5 Watts during power savings mode while still providing timely response to key presses during the active periods, thus resolving the contradiction between response time and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS8932412B2Method and apparatus for an appliance with a power saving mode

Publication Date: 2015.01.13 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A dishwasher configured to perform a physical cycle of operation and having a power savings mode during which the dishwasher periodically monitors a key press by a user to determine if the dishwasher should be taken out of the power savings mode.