Water-using domestic appliance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-conducting household appliances, such as dishwashers, lack effective methods to detect the presence and intended position of internal objects, which can lead to inefficient cleaning programs and potential damage due to incorrect object placement or state.
Innovation Solution
A system using a transceiver and transponder with a shielded object, where the transceiver emits an electromagnetic signal, and the transponder modulates a specific identifier onto this signal, allowing the control device to detect the object's presence and position by evaluating the reflected signal, enabling automatic program selection and preventing incorrect operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a transponder system is used to detect objects in the dishwasher, then object presence can be detected, but the system cannot determine whether the object is in the correct position
Solution Approach 1:
A shield element is introduced as an intermediary component attached to the object. This shield modulates the electromagnetic signal by blocking it when the object is in the correct position, creating a detectable signal change that indicates proper positioning without requiring complex sensors or cameras
2Reliability
If the transceiver is placed inside the dishwasher interior, then object detection is possible, but moisture and water can damage the transceiver
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two parts: the transceiver is placed in the moisture-free exterior environment, while the shield element (which interacts with the electromagnetic signal) is attached to the object inside the dishwasher. This segmentation allows the sensitive electronics to remain protected from moisture while still enabling detection functionality
3Ease of operation
If manual checking of object position is required, then cleaning programs can be selected, but this increases operation time and user effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by automatically detecting whether objects are in the correct position through the shield-modulated electromagnetic signal. The control device autonomously determines proper object placement and selects appropriate cleaning programs without requiring manual inspection by the user, thereby saving time and effort
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
This system ensures accurate detection of objects within the appliance, allowing for tailored cleaning programs and preventing damage by automatically activating or deactivating functions based on object presence and position, improving washing results and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a transceiver arranged at a first position of the household appliance for emitting an electromagnetic signal into an interior of the household appliance and for receiving an electromagnetic signal reflected in the interior
Implementation Method 2
the shield, when the object is arranged at the third position, is suitable for preventing the specific identifier from being modulated onto the emitted electromagnetic signal, and the electromagnetic signal which is radiated into the interior of the water-conducting household appliance is reflected by the shielding
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a water-using domestic appliance, in particular a dishwasher, comprising: - a transceiver arranged at a first position in the domestic appliance, for emitting an electromagnetic signal into an interior of the domestic appliance and receiving an electromagnetic signal reflected in the interior; - at least one transponder arranged at a second position in the interior, for modulating a specific identification code onto the electromagnetic signal emitted into the interior; - at least one object that can be arranged at a third position in the interior and has shielding, the arrangement of the first position, the second position and the third position relative to each other being such that if the object is arranged at the third position the shielding is able to prevent the specific identification code from being modulated onto the emitted electromagnetic signal; and - a control device, which is designed to detect the arrangement of the object at the third position by means of the reflected electrical signal received by the transceiver.