Dishwasher Dosing Unit Optical Base for Unblocked Signal Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing devices for dishwashers face challenges in securely transmitting information between a movable dosing device and the dishwasher, especially when positioned in a dish rack, due to potential interference from items being washed.
Innovation Solution
A dosing system with an optical transmitting and receiving unit that emits signals from the bottom of the dosing device, utilizing electromagnetic radiation in the visible light to infrared range, ensuring secure signal transmission without overlap with items in the dishwasher, and featuring a transparent base for improved signal transmission and protection from water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dosing device is positioned in a dish rack for convenient access, then ease of operation is improved, but signal transmission reliability deteriorates due to potential interference from items being washed
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transmitter is positioned at the bottom of the dosing device, changing the signal transmission direction from lateral (prone to interference by dishes) to downward (through the dish rack structure to the dishwasher interior). This dimensional change allows the signal to pass through gaps in the dish rack and reach the receiver in the dishwasher without being blocked by dishes.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent base plate serves as an intermediary element that both protects the optical transmitter from water and allows optical signals to pass through. It mediates between the need for component protection and the need for signal transmission, combining both functions in a single structural element.
2Reliability
If the optical transmitter is positioned at the bottom of the dosing device for secure signal transmission, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional structural requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed to simultaneously serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the dosing device, protects the optical transmitter from water exposure, and acts as a transparent window for optical signal transmission. By merging these three functions into a single component, device complexity is minimized while achieving the desired reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent base plate is a universal component that fulfills multiple roles within the dosing device system. It is both a protective cover and a signal transmission medium, eliminating the need for separate protective housing and optical window components.
3Reliability
If the base is made transparent for improved signal transmission, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transmitter uses infrared light with a wavelength optimized for transmission through the transparent plastic material. By selecting appropriate material and wavelength parameters, the system achieves reliable signal transmission through the base plate without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate is made completely transparent rather than partially transparent, providing a margin of excess transmission capability. This excessive transparency ensures that even with normal manufacturing variations, sufficient optical signal passes through to maintain reliable communication.
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
Ensures reliable and secure wireless transmission of information between the dosing device and the dishwasher, even when positioned in a dish rack, with the transparent base enhancing signal transmission and protecting electrical components from water.
Implementation Method 1
emits signals from the bottom of the dosing device, utilizing electromagnetic radiation in the visible light to infrared range
Implementation Method 2
The base is made transparent at least in sections... optical signals from the optical receiving unit on the dosing device side from the surroundings of the dosing device pass through the transparent Receive through the floor
Implementation Method 3
The base is made transparent at least in sections, the base and the optical receiving and/or transmitting unit on the dosing device side being configured in such a way that optical signals from the optical receiving unit on the dosing device side from the surroundings of the dosing device pass through the transparent Receive through the floor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a metering device (2) intended to be placed in the interior of a dishwashing machine (38), in particular by a user, comprising at least one metering device-side interface (Ed, Sd) having at least one optical receiver unit (Ed) and/or transmitter unit (Sd), which interacts with at least one corresponding optical receiver unit (Ed) and/or transmitter unit (Sd) configured in or on a dishwashing machine such that a transmission of optical signals, representing in particular operating states, measuring and/or control information of the metering device (2) and/or of the dishwashing machine (38), is achieved between the dishwashing machine (38) and the metering device (2), and the metering device-side transmitter unit (Sd) in the operating position of the metering device (2) transmits optical signals substantially in the direction of the bottom of the dishwashing machine (38).