Domestic appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household appliances lack effective monitoring systems to detect foreign objects or hazardous conditions within their work areas, posing risks of damage or user endangerment during operation.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a monitoring device with a sensor unit, evaluation unit, and blocking element that uses imaging, spectrometer, and infrared sensors, along with an artificial neural network for object parameter generation and classification, to detect and respond to foreign objects or hazardous states by restricting appliance functions or alerting users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a monitoring device with multiple sensor elements is integrated into the household appliance, then the safety and detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device is segmented into multiple independent sensor elements (imaging sensor, spectrometer, infrared sensor) that can detect different types of data points. This segmentation allows the system to improve reliability through multiple detection channels while managing complexity by organizing sensors into modular functional units, each with specialized detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit serves multiple functions: it processes data from different sensor types, generates various object parameters (material type, flammability, hardness), and performs different classification tasks (workpiece identification, foreign object detection, condition assessment). This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate systems into a single integrated unit, improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If an evaluation unit with artificial neural network is implemented for object classification, then the measurement precision is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit implements partial action by selectively processing sensor data based on detection needs. The artificial neural network performs classification only when object parameters need to be determined, rather than continuously processing all sensor data at full capacity. This approach maintains high measurement precision for critical classifications while reducing energy consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or rule-based classification systems with an artificial neural network that uses pattern recognition and machine learning. This substitution enables more precise classification of objects and conditions by analyzing complex sensor data patterns, achieving higher measurement precision while the network can be optimized to balance energy consumption with classification accuracy.
3Reliability
If a blocking element is added to restrict functional unit operation, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element implements preliminary action by preventing the functional unit from operating when foreign objects or hazardous conditions are detected before damage can occur. The monitoring and evaluation system identifies potential hazards in advance, and the blocking element is activated preemptively to restrict operation, thereby improving safety by preventing harmful events rather than responding to them after they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element serves as an intermediary between the evaluation unit and the functional unit. It receives control signals from the evaluation unit based on sensor data and object parameter analysis, and translates these into operational restrictions on the functional unit. This intermediary role allows the system to improve safety through controlled restriction of operations while maintaining a clear separation between monitoring and execution functions, managing overall device complexity.
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
Enhances safety by early recognition of foreign objects or hazardous conditions, preventing damage to the appliance, objects, and ensuring user safety through precise classification and timely intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor unit comprises at least one imaging sensor element, in particular a camera
Implementation Method 2
the sensor unit comprises at least one sensor element configured as a spectrometer
Implementation Method 3
the sensor unit comprises at least one sensor element configured as a spectrometer and/or an infrared sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a household appliance, in particular an oven, with at least one working area (12) for receiving or arranging a workpiece, with at least one functional unit (14) for processing a workpiece located in the working area (12), and with a monitoring device comprising at least one sensor unit (18) for monitoring the working area (12), wherein the sensor unit (18) comprises at least one sensor element (20) for detecting at least one data point in the working area (12). It is proposed that the monitoring device comprises at least one evaluation unit (22) for generating an object parameter dependent on the data point, which classifies an object located in the working area (12).