Household Appliance Program Memory With Direct User Input Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing program-controlled household appliances require complex operating actions and multiple switches to store user-specific inputs, limiting user flexibility in adapting fixed programs to individual needs.
Innovation Solution
A program-controlled household appliance with an operating device featuring a display, manually operable switches for calling up, changing, and supplementing operating programs, and a memory function that allows user-specific inputs to be saved directly before starting an operating program, enabling users to create and modify programs without additional storage actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple switches and complex operating actions are used to store user-specific inputs, then the memory function can store programs, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first switch (for selecting fixed programs) and the second switch (for storing user-specific inputs) into a single integrated control mechanism. When the user actuates the second switch, the system automatically stores the user-specific inputs for the program selected by the first switch, eliminating the need for separate storage actions and reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable memory functionality.
2Reliability
If multiple switches are used to select and store programs, then program storage is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second switch serves multiple functions: it acts as a selector for user-specific inputs and simultaneously as a storage trigger. When actuated, it both selects which program parameters to modify and automatically stores these modifications in the memory unit, reducing the need for separate dedicated buttons and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically stores user-specific inputs when the second switch is actuated, without requiring a separate confirmation or storage command. The control unit detects the switch actuation and autonomously completes the storage operation, reducing the number of user actions needed and simplifying the interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user-specific inputs are not automatically stored, then the system remains simple, but user flexibility in adapting programs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is configured so that the first switch pre-selects the fixed program for which user-specific inputs will be stored. When the user subsequently actuates the second switch, the storage action is automatically triggered for that pre-selected program, enabling seamless program customization without requiring additional operator actions for storage.
Data Source
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AI summary
Programme-controlled domestic appliance with an operating device (1), comprising a display (2), at least two manually-operated switches (3, 5, 7), for the call, change and/or completion of operating programmes for controlling the domestic appliance and a memory function for storing an operating programme which is freely generated following user-specific inputs, which may be selected with a first switch of the switches (3, 5), wherein a further switch or several further switches (3, 7), different from the first switch (3, 5), can be used for the user-specific inputs for compiling the freely generated operating programme (M1, M2, M3). The invention further relates to a method for compiling, changing or completing an operating programme in said programme controlled domestic appliance.