Sensor device, method for operating such a sensor device and water-conducting domestic appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for water-bearing household appliances face challenges in effectively cleaning and maintaining sensors during operation, leading to reduced accuracy and frequency of measurements due to contamination and fluid flow interference.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a nozzle system that directs a fluid jet into the sensor chamber for targeted cleaning, combined with a control mechanism to activate the nozzle for cleaning the sensor and chamber, ensuring precise and frequent measurements by utilizing the fluid from the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor device is placed in a water-bearing household appliance to monitor fluid conditions, then measurement capability is provided, but sensor contamination and fluid flow interference reduce measurement accuracy over time
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is segmented into a separate sensor chamber that is fluidically connected to but physically distinct from the main fluid path. This segmentation allows the sensor to monitor fluid conditions without being directly exposed to contaminants and high-velocity flow, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy and reliability over time
Solution Approach 2:
A calibration fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance to clean the sensor chamber and remove contaminants. This calibration fluid acts as a mediator between the contaminated measurement environment and the sensitive sensor, restoring measurement accuracy without requiring direct exposure of the sensor to harsh conditions
2Productivity
If the sensor device operates continuously in flowing fluid, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but fluid flow creates interference and contamination that degrades sensor performance
Solution Approach 1:
A calibration sequence is performed periodically or on-demand to preliminarily clean the sensor chamber before measurements are taken. This preliminary cleaning action removes contaminants that would otherwise interfere with measurements, ensuring high measurement accuracy is maintained even with continuous operation and frequent measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device alternates between measurement mode and calibration/cleaning mode. During periodic calibration cycles, fresh calibration fluid is introduced to clean the sensor chamber, then the system returns to measurement mode. This periodic action prevents contamination accumulation and maintains measurement precision across many measurement cycles
3Reliability
If a nozzle device is added to the sensor device for cleaning purposes, then sensor contamination is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is designed with multi-functionality by integrating a calibration fluid introduction capability that serves dual purposes: it introduces fresh fluid for sensor cleaning and also serves as a reference fluid for calibration measurements. This universal approach allows one system to perform multiple functions (cleaning and calibration) without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining sensor reliability
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 enables thorough and efficient cleaning of the sensor chamber and sensor, allowing for more accurate and frequent measurements by using the fluid from the household appliance's cleaning process, reducing contamination and maintaining sensor performance.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor device with a nozzle system that directs a fluid jet into the sensor chamber for targeted cleaning
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A sensor device (30) for a washing machine (11) for examining a liquid used therein comprises a sensor chamber housing (31) which includes a sensor chamber (33) and a fluid guide for the liquid to be examined. At least one sensor (35) is provided in or on the sensor chamber (33) for examining the liquid or substances located in the sensor chamber (33). The sensor device (30) includes a nozzle device (40) that extends into the sensor chamber (33) and/or into the fluid guide for spraying liquid for cleaning purposes. A fluid supply (43) for the nozzle (40) and a control unit connected to the fluid supply for the nozzle device (40) are provided for its operation.