Household appliance including a mountable wireless communication module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household appliances, such as dishwashers, pose a challenge for wireless communication due to their metal construction acting as a Faraday cage, blocking wireless signals, and the non-standardized location of appliances and wireless routers complicates optimal signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A selectively mountable wireless communication module is positioned in the toe-kick area of the appliance, with mounts on both sides allowing for optimal signal placement by determining the best corner for installation, using radio wave transmissive materials to avoid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an antenna is mounted on the household appliance, then wireless communication capability is provided, but the metal construction acts as a Faraday shield and blocks wireless signals
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication module is extracted from the main body of the household appliance and relocated to a separate mounting location on the same appliance. This separation removes the antenna from the Faraday shield effect of the metal construction, allowing wireless signals to transmit effectively while maintaining the appliance's structural integrity and aesthetic appearance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the wireless communication module is mounted away from the household appliance, then signal transmission is improved, but installation complexity and lack of standardized location increases
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance is designed with multiple standardized wireless communication module mounting locations that can serve different functions. These standardized locations accommodate various wireless communication module types and configurations, providing universal compatibility while maintaining simple installation procedures through pre-defined mounting interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless communication mounts are provided, then optimal signal placement can be determined, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different mounting locations on the appliance are designed with specific local characteristics optimized for wireless signal transmission. Each mounting location is strategically positioned to leverage favorable signal propagation conditions in different areas of the appliance, allowing the system to achieve optimal signal placement while maintaining relatively simple mounting structures at each location.
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 provides a broader wireless communication signal range without additional antennas and maintains connectivity between the module and controller, allowing for flexible installation to optimize signal strength based on appliance and router locations.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless communication module that includes at least an antenna can be selectively mounted at either the first wireless communication mount or the second wireless communication mount
Implementation Method 2
most household appliances are primarily constructed of metal that is electrically connected to earth ground, which acts as a large Faraday shield and does not allow wireless signals to escape the household appliance
Data Source
AI summary
A household appliance that includes a selectively mountable wireless communication module. The selectively mountable wireless communication module can be selectively mounted in a toe kick area of the household appliance. The household appliance can be, but is not limited to, a dishwasher, an oven, a refrigerator, a freezer, a microwave, a washing machine, a dryer, or a combo washer-dryer.