Dishwasher Rack Lighting With Contactless Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers lack effective illumination during the loading and unloading process, as the existing illumination systems do not illuminate the loading units when they are being pulled out of the washing chamber, making it difficult for users to perform these tasks, especially in low ambient light conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an illumination device with LEDs and a rechargeable energy storage device on the loading unit, which can be charged contactlessly when the unit is retracted, allowing for autonomous operation and automatic activation based on the loading unit's position, ensuring the loading unit is illuminated during both retraction and extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If illumination devices are arranged at the housing edge to illuminate the washing chamber, then the washing chamber is illuminated for cleaning and refilling operations, but the loading units are not illuminated during loading and unloading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into two distinct parts: a first illumination device fixed to the housing for illuminating the washing chamber, and a second illumination device attached to the movable loading unit for illuminating the loading unit itself. This segmentation allows each illumination device to serve its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction by providing targeted illumination where needed during loading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination source is moved from a fixed position in space (housing edge) to a position that moves with the loading unit. By attaching the second illumination device to the loading unit, the light source follows the loading unit through its range of motion, ensuring continuous illumination during extension and retraction operations.
2Extent of automation
If power supply cables are used to power the illumination device on the loading unit, then the illumination device can operate autonomously, but the device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical power transmission system (power supply cables) is replaced with an electromagnetic energy transfer system. A transmitter unit in the housing and a receiver unit on the loading unit enable contactless power transfer through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical cables while maintaining autonomous operation of the illumination device.
3Ease of operation
If the loading unit is pulled out for loading and unloading, then access to the loading unit is improved, but the existing illumination system does not illuminate the loading unit in this position
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is made dynamic by attaching the second illumination device to the movable loading unit. As the loading unit extends and retracts, the illumination device moves with it, maintaining illumination of the loading unit surface regardless of its position. This dynamic configuration ensures that the loading unit remains illuminated during the entire loading and unloading process.
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 improved ease of loading and unloading by illuminating the loading unit, enabling users to check the washing result without removing the dishes and eliminating the need for power supply cables, while also allowing for efficient charging and automatic operation.
Implementation Method 1
a rechargeable energy storage device (17) arranged on the loading unit (6, 7, 8)
Implementation Method 2
a contactless charging device (20) for charging the energy storage device (17) when the loading unit (6, 7, 8) is in the retracted position
Implementation Method 3
Incorporating an illumination device with LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes a housing having a washing chamber with an access opening. An access door is operable to close the access opening in a fluid tight manner. A movable loading unit is disposable in the washing chamber and is at least partially removable from the washing chamber through the access opening. The loading unit includes an illumination device.