Dishwasher Rack Position Sensor for Timed Camera Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capturing quality images of dishwasher racks to assess contents accurately during wash operations has proven problematic due to challenges in timing image captures relative to the rack's movement between operative and extended positions.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher equipped with sensors, such as magnetic sensors, to detect the rack's position, triggering a camera to capture images when the rack is in either operative or extended positions, allowing for optimized wash settings based on the captured images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera is used to capture images of rack contents, then wash operation can be optimized based on assessed contents, but image quality and assessment accuracy deteriorate due to improper timing relative to rack movement
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detects rack position in advance to trigger the camera capture at the optimal moment. The controller uses the sensor signal to preliminarily determine when the rack is in the correct position for imaging, ensuring accurate capture before the rack moves to the washing position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors rack position through the sensor and adjusts the timing of image capture based on real-time position feedback. This closed-loop approach ensures the camera captures images at the precise moment when rack contents are properly positioned for assessment.
2Ease of operation
If the rack is extended for loading/unloading utensils, then ease of operation improves, but timing image capture becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical position detection system is replaced with a magnetic sensor that detects rack position non-contactively. This substitution simplifies the overall system by eliminating complex mechanical switches or contacts while providing reliable position detection for triggering image capture.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to detect rack positions, then position detection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensor serves multiple functions: detecting rack position, determining when the rack is in washing position versus extended position, and triggering the image capture sequence. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors for each detection task, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
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
Enables consistent and accurate assessment of rack contents, allowing for optimized wash settings, including duration, cycle type, temperature, and detergent amount, thereby enhancing wash performance.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor includes a magnetic sensor disposed on a wall of the wash tub... the magnetic sensor includes a hall effect sensor... the rack includes a magnetic member disposed thereon and positioned to oppose the magnetic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher utilizes one or more sensors capable of detecting when a rack is at an operative position at which the rack is positioned within the wash tub during washing and/or an extended position at which at least a portion of the rack is extended beyond the wash tub for loading or unloading of utensils, thereby allowing image captures by a camera to be timed relative to the movement of the rack into, between and/or away from the operative and/or extended positions.