Method for determining a state of a transport securing device of a domestic appliance, and domestic appliance for treating items of laundry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting the functional state of a transport lock on household appliances, such as those for laundry care, are complex and prone to inaccuracy, particularly during operation when the lock may interfere with components like the power cord and are not effectively removed post-transport.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the detection of acceleration in a spatial direction using sensors, converting this information into frequency data through FFT, and comparing it with reference frequencies to determine if a transport lock is still securing the appliance, allowing for precise and reliable detection even when the appliance is in operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If transport lock is left in place after transport, then appliance structure is secured during transport, but it pinches power cord and impairs operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit detects the presence state of the transport lock before starting the washing program and generates a warning message to prompt the user to remove it in advance, preventing power cord pinching and damage before they occur
2Object-affected harmful factors
If transport lock is removed before appliance is switched on, then power cord is protected from pinching, but detection of lock presence becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with an accelerometer-based detection system that measures acceleration signals to determine the presence state of the transport lock, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining detection capability
3Measurement precision
If acceleration sensor is used to detect transport lock presence, then detection capability is improved, but noise signals and misdiagnosis increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit evaluates acceleration signals during the reversing operation phase when the washing drum changes rotation direction, utilizing the characteristic vibration patterns that occur during reversing to reliably detect transport lock presence while filtering out noise from other operational phases
Solution Approach 2:
The detection is performed periodically during specific reversing operations in the washing program, using multiple measurement opportunities to confirm the presence state and reduce misdiagnosis from transient noise signals
4Loss of time
If detection is performed during reversing phase, then early detection is enabled to prevent damage, but detection window is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors acceleration signals during each reversing phase and provides immediate feedback by generating warning messages when transport lock presence is detected, enabling early detection and user intervention before damage occurs
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 approach simplifies and enhances the detection of a transport lock's presence, reducing the likelihood of misdiagnosis and noise interference, enabling early detection during low-speed reversing phases to prevent damage and ensure safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the acceleration in a spatial direction of an oscillating system of the household appliance with at least one sensor of the household appliance during active operation
Implementation Method 2
converting the acceleration information into information on frequencies in an actual frequency spectrum
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a method for determining the functional state of a transport lock (13) of a household appliance (1) for laundry care, comprising the following steps: - Detecting the acceleration in a spatial direction (z) of an oscillating system (6) of the household appliance (1) with at least one sensor (12) of the household appliance (1) during active operation of the household appliance (1); - Converting the acceleration information into frequency information in an actual frequency spectrum; - Comparing the frequency information with reference frequency information that characterizes the behavior of the oscillating system (6) when a transport lock (13) is still engaged on the household appliance (1) and/or when it is not; - Detecting whether a transport lock (13) is still engaged on the household appliance (1) based on the comparison.