Turbidity sensor for a washing machine, in particular for household use, and related washing machine including said sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbidity sensors for washing machines require separate components for measuring turbidity and temperature, leading to increased costs and complexity, with limited adjustability and accuracy due to fixed housing dimensions, which restricts sensitivity and alignment, and are unable to measure large areas effectively.
Innovation Solution
A turbidity sensor design with housings developing perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, allowing adjustable distance between optical elements for enhanced sensitivity and calibration, combined with a temperature sensor positioned independently for precise measurements, enabling accurate readings of turbidity and temperature across larger areas without altering the sensor's diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sensors are used for measuring turbidity and temperature, then measurement functions are complete, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the turbidity sensor and temperature sensor into a single integrated sensor unit with a common enclosure and base. The housing contains both optical elements for turbidity measurement and a temperature sensor, allowing both measurements to be performed simultaneously through one component rather than requiring separate sensors, thereby reducing device complexity and costs while maintaining complete measurement functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor unit serves multiple functions: it measures both turbidity and temperature of the washing liquid, provides a unified mounting interface for coupling to the washing machine, and enables automated control based on both parameters. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors and their individual connection systems
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed housing dimensions are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but sensitivity and measurement accuracy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustability into the housing design, allowing the distance between the optical elements to be modified. This dynamic configuration enables optimization of the light path length through the washing liquid to achieve desired sensitivity levels, while still maintaining a relatively simple housing structure that can be manufactured using standard techniques
3Ease of operation
If housings develop parallel to longitudinal axis, then structural alignment is simplified, but measurement area is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a longitudinal arrangement (housings developing parallel to the longitudinal axis) to a transverse arrangement (housings developing perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). This dimensional change allows the optical elements to be positioned across the washing machine drum, enabling measurement of a larger area of washing liquid while maintaining alignment simplicity through the perpendicular housing configuration
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 design allows for adjustable sensitivity and precise turbidity and temperature measurements across larger areas, reducing alignment errors and improving measurement accuracy, while maintaining a compact sensor size, enabling effective monitoring of washing liquid properties.
Implementation Method 1
an optical radiation, in particular an infrared radiation, is transmitted by the first optical element and received by the second optical element and propagates between the first housing and the second housing outside said enclosure in order to detect the turbidity of the washing liquid
Implementation Method 2
a pair of optical elements for emitting and receiving, respectively, a light beam in order to measure the turbidity of the washing liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a turbidity sensor (1) for a washing machine, in particular for household use, said sensor (1) comprising: - an enclosure (10) adapted to be positioned in the washing machine in such a way that it is at least partially surrounded by a washing liquid, said enclosure (10) being provided with a first housing (11) and a second housing (12); - a first element (21) emitting/receiving an electromagnetic radiation, housed in the first housing (11) of the enclosure (10); - a second element (22) receiving/emitting an electromagnetic radiation, housed in the second housing (12) of the enclosure (10), wherein the first housing (11) and the second housing (12) are at least partially made of transparent material to allow said electromagnetic radiation to be transmitted/received by the first element (21), propagate between the first housing (11) and the second housing (12) externally to said enclosure (10), and be received/transmitted by the second element (12) for the purpose of detecting the degree of turbidity of the washing liquid that surrounds at least partially said enclosure (10) and that is located between the first housing (11) and the second housing (12). The peculiar feature of the present invention consists in the fact that the first housing (11) and the second housing (12) develop substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (X-X) of the enclosure (10) and in such a way as to face towards each other, in particular the enclosure (10) being designed to comprise a recess (13) between said first housing (11) and second housing (12).