Dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher with a rotatably mounted optical detection means

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwashers lack efficient and cost-effective optical detection methods to accurately assess the loading and soiling conditions within the washing chamber, requiring multiple fixed detection means to achieve reliable detection.

Innovation Solution

A rotatably mounted optical detection means that can capture different sections of the washing chamber from various angles, allowing for automatic adaptation of washing programs based on the detected state, eliminating the need for multiple static detection systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple fixed optical detection means are installed to detect different sections of the washing chamber, then the detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidnumber of detection means
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single optical detection means by mounting it on a rotatable support structure. This allows one detection device to cover multiple spatial sections of the washing chamber through rotation, eliminating the need for multiple fixed detection means and reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical detection means is mounted on a rotatable support that can change its angular position dynamically. This dynamic positioning capability allows the single detection device to scan different sections of the washing chamber, transforming a static limited-coverage system into a dynamic comprehensive-coverage system without increasing the number of devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single fixed optical detection means is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection coverage and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of detection meansVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable mounting mechanism enables the single optical detection means to dynamically access different spatial sections of the washing chamber. By rotating to different positions, the detection device can comprehensively assess the loading state across all sections, improving detection reliability while maintaining simple device architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single optical detection means is designed with multi-functionality through its rotatable mounting, allowing it to perform detection tasks across multiple locations and angles. This universal detection capability replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized detection devices, achieving reliable comprehensive detection with a single versatile unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances the reliability and efficiency of load and soiling detection, enabling flexible and optimized washing programs without human intervention, improving cleaning performance.

Implementation Method 1

at least one optical detection means connected to the dishwashing program control device, which is designed to optically detect at least one spatial section of the dishwashing chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3169214B1Dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher with a rotatably mounted optical detection means
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3169214B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3169214B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular a domestic dishwasher (1), comprising a washing compartment (3) which is designed to accommodate items (17, 17a, 17b) to be washed, a container (2) delimiting the washing compartment (3), a pump (6), which is designed to circulate washing liquid in the container (2), a washing program control device (9), which is designed to execute at least one washing program and to control the pump (6), and at least one optical detection means (15, 15a-15c) connected to the washing program control device (9), said optical detection means being designed to optically detect at least one compartment section of the washing compartment (3), wherein the washing program control device (9) is designed to adjust the washing program on the basis of the state in the washing compartment (3) detected by the optical detection means (15, 15a-15c), and the optical detection means (15, 15a-15c) is rotatably mounted inside the container (2) such that different compartment sections of the washing compartment (3) are detected by the optical detection means (15, 15a-15c) in relation to the position and/or the location of the optical detection means (15, 15a-15c).