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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors for household washing machines and dishwashers require a large number of cores in connection cables due to multiple measurement functions, increasing manufacturing costs while demanding a wide range of functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A sensor with an electrical sensor circuit that combines multiple measuring sensors in different branch circuits, outputting measurement information via a common contact element in a standardized signal format, such as PWM or amplitude-modulated direct current, reducing the need for multiple cores in the connection cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate cores are used in the connection cable for each measurement function, then each measuring signal can be transmitted independently, but the number of cable cores increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (optical, temperature, conductance) into a single integrated sensor unit that transmits all measurement data through one common core in the connection cable, eliminating the need for separate cores for each measurement function while maintaining reliable signal transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing multiple measurement functions simultaneously and transmitting all data through a single universal interface, reducing the overall system complexity and cable requirements
2Device complexity
If a single core is used to transmit all measurement information, then cable complexity is reduced and cost decreases, but signal differentiation and processing become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement data by assigning specific time slots or frequency bands to different measurement functions within the single core transmission, allowing the control unit to differentiate and process each measurement type independently despite sharing the same physical medium
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit transmits different measurement signals in periodic time-division multiplexed sequences, enabling the control unit to distinguish between optical, temperature, and conductance measurements by their temporal patterns while using only one core
3Reliability
If multiple contact elements are provided in the plug-in interface for each measuring sensor, then each sensor can have dedicated contact elements, but the number of contact elements increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the output interfaces of multiple measuring sensors into a single common contact element in the plug-in interface, reducing the number of contacts required while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the integrated sensor design
Solution Approach 2:
The single common contact element serves multiple functions by transmitting data from all measurement sensors, making the plug-in interface universal and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for integration into a domestic washing machine or dishwasher includes a sensor housing and an electronic assembly accommodated in the sensor housing with sensor components for a plurality of different measurement functions. The measurement functions include at least an optical measurement function as well as at least one non-optical measurement function. The electronic assembly has a plug-in interface for an electrical connection plug where the plug-in interface has a plurality of electrical interface contacts for the electrical supply of the electronic assembly and for conducting away measurement information obtained by means of the measurement functions.