Kitchen appliance, functional element for a kitchen appliance and data communication method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Kitchen appliance accessories often interfere with or are shielded from the control unit, disrupting direct wireless communication, which hinders the detection and identification of accessories, affecting safety and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A functional element with a bridge unit that relays wireless data communication between accessories and the control unit, overcoming shielding spaces using an accessory section and a control section, potentially with coil antennas or NFC/Bluetooth interfaces, to enable reliable detection and identification of accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a direct wireless communication path between accessory and control unit is used, then communication simplicity is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to shielding interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bridging unit as an intermediary component that relays communication signals between the accessory and control unit. The bridging unit includes a first communication means in the shielded area that receives signals from the accessory, and a second communication means outside the shielded area that transmits signals to the control unit, thereby overcoming the shielding interference without requiring a completely complex communication architecture
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding space is used to separate accessory from control unit, then functional safety is improved, but communication capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two distinct parts: a first communication means located within the shielded area that interfaces with the accessory, and a second communication means located outside the shielded area that interfaces with the control unit. This segmentation allows the shielding to protect against interference while communication is maintained through the segmented pathway via the bridging unit
3Reliability
If accessory detection is implemented, then functional safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it maintains wireless communication between the accessory and control unit despite shielding, enables accessory detection and identification, and can potentially support multiple accessories simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in 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
Enables reliable detection and identification of accessories, improving safety and functionality by maintaining communication despite shielding, and allowing for automated recognition of required accessories, while reducing interference and installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a bridge unit for overcoming a shielding space of the kitchen appliance for wireless data communication between an accessory (2) and a control unit (30)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a functional element (10) for a kitchen appliance (1) comprising a functional area (11) for a function of the kitchen appliance (1), and a bridge unit (13) for overcoming a shielding space (20) of the kitchen appliance (1) that separates an accessory (2) of the kitchen appliance (1) from a control unit (30) of the kitchen appliance (1) for wireless data communication between the accessory (2) and the control unit (30). The invention further relates to a kitchen appliance (1) and a method (100).