Optoelectronic module for a light barrier for use in a household ice maker, household ice maker and method of operating a household ice maker

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optoelectronic modules for light barriers in household ice makers lack flexibility and optical reliability due to fixed component positioning and susceptibility to light losses and environmental factors like moisture and frost, which affect the accuracy of fill height monitoring.

Innovation Solution

An optoelectronic module design featuring a light-guiding element that allows for flexible positioning of the optoelectronic component, integrated heating to prevent moisture and frost interference, and a temperature sensor for environmental control, ensuring reliable light transmission and reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the optoelectronic component is positioned close to the light passage surface, then light transmission reliability is improved, but positioning flexibility and ease of assembly are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical functional reliabilityVSAvoidpositioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A light-guiding element (cylindrical or prismatic structure) is introduced as an intermediary component between the optoelectronic component and the light passage surface. This mediator guides light from the component located at a distance to the light passage surface, maintaining optical reliability while enabling flexible positioning of the component within the module housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the optoelectronic component is positioned at a distance from the light passage surface, then positioning flexibility is improved, but light losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidlight losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The light-guiding element acts as an optical conduit that efficiently transmits light over the distance between the optoelectronic component and the light passage surface. Through total internal reflection and optimized geometry, it minimizes light losses while enabling the component to be positioned away from the light passage surface for easier assembly and better thermal management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the optoelectronic component is fixed in position, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different module configurations is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent positioning precisionVSAvoidmodule configuration adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a fixed positioning approach to a dynamic/adjustable positioning system. The optoelectronic component can be positioned at different locations within the module housing along the light path, with the light-guiding element adapting to guide light effectively regardless of the specific component position, enabling different module configurations while maintaining optical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If no light guidance structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but optical functional reliability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule structure complexityVSAvoidoptical functional reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution enhances the flexibility and optical reliability of the optoelectronic module, reducing light losses and maintaining accurate fill height monitoring in cold and moist environments, while ensuring effective ice production and storage.

Implementation Method 1

Light guidance in the light-guiding element is possible for example by total reflection at the boundary surface between light-guiding element and environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an optoelectronic module can be equipped with a heating function that allows moist or frozen precipitation on the light passage surface to be removed by heating it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11415452B2Optoelectronic module for a light barrier for use in a household ice maker, household ice maker and method of operating a household ice maker

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH

AI summary

An optoelectronic module for a light barrier for fill height monitoring of an ice collection container in a household ice maker includes a module housing, which bears a light passage surface located at the boundary between the optoelectronic module and the space outside the module for the passage of a beam of light of the light barrier. The module further has a printed circuit board accommodated in the module housing, an optoelectronic component mounted on the printed circuit board, serving as a light transmitter or receiver, with a main lobe axis, and a cylindrical light-guiding element for guidance of the light beam located in the beam path between the light passage surface and the optoelectronic component, and at a distance from the component.