Multi-Unit Appliance Knock-On Sensing for Individual Door Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing appliances with see-through windows and knock-on functions face challenges such as increased complexity in design and manufacturing due to the need for additional sensors and components, which can lead to reduced accuracy in sensing knock inputs and increased risk of sensor damage from high temperatures, and difficulty in controlling multiple ovens simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A sensing module comprising a sensor, input switch, and transfer member is installed on the front panel of the appliance, allowing vibrations from a knock to be accurately distinguished from other vibrations through a rigid transfer member and sensor assembly, while maintaining the knock-on function for individual control of each oven unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor is installed on the door to sense knock inputs, then the knock-on function can be implemented, but the sensor may be damaged by high temperatures transferred from the cooking space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the front panel and its mounting bracket) that physically separates the sensor from the high-temperature door environment. The sensor is mounted on the front panel rather than directly on the door, creating a thermal buffer zone that protects the sensor from heat damage while still allowing it to detect knock vibrations through the panel structure.
2Reliability
If the sensor is disposed far from the door to avoid heat, then sensor damage is reduced, but knock input sensing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the sensor placement from a one-dimensional approach (directly on the door) to a multi-dimensional solution by mounting the sensor on the front panel structure that is spatially separated from but structurally connected to the door. This allows the sensor to be positioned in a different spatial dimension that provides thermal protection while maintaining vibration transmission path through the panel-door connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are installed to control multiple ovens, then individual control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing system into separate modular units, with each oven having its own dedicated sensor and control logic. This segmentation allows independent control of each oven through knock inputs while maintaining a consistent and manageable structural pattern that can be replicated across multiple units without proportionally increasing overall system 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
This solution enhances the accuracy of knock input sensing, reduces sensor damage risks, and allows for precise control of lighting in appliances with multiple doors, improving user experience and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a lamp operates, as a sensor senses sound waves generated by a knock input applied to the door
Implementation Method 2
A sensing module comprising a sensor, input switch, and transfer member is installed on the front panel of the appliance, allowing vibrations from a knock to be accurately distinguished
Data Source
AI summary
A control method of an appliance, including: the appliance includes a first unit that includes a first lamp, a first cavity, a first door and a first sensor; a second unit that includes a second lamp, a second cavity, a second door and a second sensor; and a controller that controls operations of the first unit and the second unit, includes sensing vibrations generated in any one of the first unit or the second unit by the first sensor and the second sensor; determining whether the sensed vibrations are caused by a knock, and when determining that the sensed vibrations are caused by a knock using the first sensor and the second sensor, transferring a knock-on signal to the controller; and comparing the knock-on signals received from the first sensor and the second sensor and determining which of the first unit or the second unit is given the knock by the controller, and outputting a lamp-on output signal to the first unit or the second unit in which the knock is generated by the controller.