Method and control unit for operating a household device and household device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Household appliances lack efficient methods for bidirectional communication with mobile devices and inductive charging, leading to cluttered kitchens with multiple charging cables and exposed charging stations, and inadequate protection of electronics from external influences.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a charging interface and control unit in household appliances for inductive charging of mobile devices, enabling bidirectional communication and reducing the need for traditional sockets, while protecting electronics from moisture and grease through concealed charging systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional charging sockets and cables are used for mobile devices in the kitchen, then mobile devices can be charged, but the kitchen becomes cluttered with cables and sockets, and the work surface is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charging function with the household appliance by integrating a charging device into the appliance housing. The charging device includes a charging interface that can inductively charge terminal devices, merging two separate functions (appliance operation and device charging) into one integrated unit, thereby eliminating the need for separate charging sockets and cables in the kitchen space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inductive charging interface as an intermediary between the power source and the terminal device. This intermediary enables wireless energy transfer through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and reducing cable clutter while maintaining charging functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If charging sockets are installed for mobile devices, then charging is enabled, but existing sockets must be repurposed and cable management becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The household appliance is designed with multi-functionality, serving both its primary function (cooking, cleaning, etc.) and a secondary charging function. The charging device integrated into the appliance can charge terminal devices inductively, making the appliance a universal solution that eliminates the need for dedicated charging sockets while preserving existing socket availability for other purposes
3Ease of operation
If external charging stations are used, then mobile devices can be charged, but the work surface becomes cluttered and electronics are exposed to external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device is nested within the housing of the household appliance, with the charging interface positioned in a protected interior space. This nesting arrangement shields the electronic components of the charging device from external harmful factors such as moisture, grease splashes, and dirt particles that are common in kitchen environments, while still providing accessible charging functionality through the appliance interface
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 solution allows for seamless inductive charging of mobile devices within household appliances, reducing cable clutter, protecting electronics, and enhancing user safety through integrated charging systems that maintain a clean kitchen environment and prevent accidental appliance activation.
Implementation Method 1
a charging device (106) for inductively charging a terminal device (200), which is electrically connected to the charging interface (104)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a household appliance (100) comprising a household appliance (102) with a charging interface (104) and a charging device (106) electrically connected to the charging interface (104) for inductively charging a terminal device, wherein the method includes a step of reading a contact signal via an interface to the charging device (106). The contact signal represents an existing coupling of the terminal device with the charging device (106). Furthermore, the method includes a step of providing a control signal for controlling a device function of the household appliance (102) in response to the contact signal.