Electrical device and method for operating an electrical device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional door state detection systems in electrical devices, such as refrigerators and ovens, require cabling and complex mechanical structures, leading to increased complexity and potential electromagnetic compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A wireless vibration-based mechanism using a vibrator on the door or main housing to generate vibrations, detected by a vibration sensor, which eliminates the need for cabling and dedicated sensors near the door, allowing door state monitoring without additional wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor and cabling are installed near the door to detect door state, then door state detection is achieved, but device complexity and mounting effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-cabling system with an acoustic detection system. A microphone or acoustic sensor detects sound waves generated by door operation, eliminating the need for physical sensors mounted near the door and the associated cabling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sound waves as an intermediary medium to transmit door state information. Instead of direct electrical connection via cabling, the door's movement generates acoustic signals that propagate through air to the detection device, serving as a wireless mediator.
2Reliability
If cabling is provided to the door for sensor connection, then door state monitoring is enabled, but electromagnetic compatibility problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical cabling with acoustic wave transmission. By using sound waves instead of electrical signals transmitted through cables, the system eliminates electromagnetic interference issues while maintaining reliable door state monitoring capability.
3Reliability
If local sensors are installed near the door, then door state detection is achieved, but production effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the door location and relocates it to a centralized control unit equipped with acoustic sensors. This eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting near the door, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly 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
Simplifies the electrical device design, reduces production effort, and minimizes electromagnetic interference while effectively monitoring door states with minimal user impact.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrator that is arranged on the main housing and/or the door and that produces vibrations during movement of the door
Implementation Method 2
a vibration detector that is arranged in the electrical device and that detects the vibrations and generates a detection signal in response
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention provides an electrical device (100, 200, 300, 400) comprising a main housing (101, 201, 301), a door (102, 202, 302, 402, 407) arranged on the main housing (101, 201, 301), wherein the door (102, 202, 302, 402, 407) is openable and closable by a user, a vibrator (103, 403, 408) arranged on the main housing (101, 201, 301) and/or the door (102, 202, 302, 402, 407) and configured to produce vibrations (104) during a movement of the door (102, 202, 302, 402, 407), a vibration detector (105) arranged in the housing and configured to detect the vibrations (104) generated by the vibrator (103, 403, 408), and a vibration evaluation device (106) coupled to the vibration detector (105) and configured to determine when the door (102, 202, 302, 402, 407) moves based on the detected vibrations (104).