A method of operating a household appliance, and a household appliance, in particular a dishwasher

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This invention introduces a method for operating household appliances, particularly dishwashers, capable of reliably detecting unpleasant odors caused by organic material decomposition. The system utilizes two different types of sensors, each responsive to different chemical substances (like volatile organic compounds and carbon dioxide) and employing different measuring principles. Only when both sensors indicate the presence of decomposition products does the appliance trigger an automatic cleaning or deodorizing action, improving odor management within the device.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Automated odor detection and cleaning initiation in dishwashers.
• Advanced odor sensing in other household appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, or trash compactors.
• Smart home systems that monitor and respond to hygiene or maintenance needs.
• Industrial or commercial kitchen appliances to ensure cleanliness and prevent odor complaints.
• Adaptive cleaning schedules based on real-time detection rather than preset timers.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides more reliable and accurate detection of unpleasant odors by combining signals from two different sensor types.
• Reduces unnecessary cleaning cycles, saving water, energy, and detergent by only activating cleaning when needed.
• Decreases the likelihood of false positives, minimizing system activations due to unrelated environmental factors.
• Improves user experience by keeping appliances—especially dishwashers—odor-free automatically.
• Can adapt to changing household conditions by recalibrating detection thresholds after cleaning cycles.

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Patent Abstract

In a method of operating a household appliance, in particular a dishwasher, the presence of (unpleasant) odours due to decomposition of organic materials is determined by using two different sensors, responsive to different chemical substances occurring upon decomposition of organic material, wherein the sensors do in particular apply different working principles of measurement (e.g. different physical principles). A first pre-determined criterion (S12) is applied to first measurement signals obtained (S10) from the first sensor, and a second pre-determined criterion (S18) is applied to measurement signals (12, 12') obtained (S16) by the second sensor. If both criteria are fulfilled, this is an indication of unpleasant odours, and a signal is output (an action is initiated, S24).