Cooktop Lock-Out Indicator Timing to Reduce Visual Distraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lock-out features in appliances, such as cooktops, often rely on continuously illuminated indicator lights, which can be distracting and pose safety concerns, especially for children who may be attracted to the lights and attempt to interact with the appliance.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus where the indicator light activates when the appliance is locked but deactivates after a predetermined time period, reducing visual distractions and safety risks, and can be intermittently reactivated based on user input or power restoration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a continuously illuminated indicator light is used to indicate lock-out status, then the lock-out status is clearly indicated to users, but visual distraction and safety concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock-out status indicationVSAvoidvisual distraction and safety concerns

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator light transitions from continuous illumination to periodic or intermittent illumination. The controller activates the indicator light at specific time intervals rather than continuously, maintaining status indication while reducing visual distraction and safety concerns associated with constant light exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If an indicator light remains constantly active during lock-out, then the lock-out state is continuously visible, but children may be attracted to the light and attempt to interact with the appliance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock-out status visibilityVSAvoidchild safety concerns

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic activation of the indicator light during lock-out periods, where the light turns on for predetermined intervals and then turns off. This maintains reliable status indication while reducing the continuous visual attraction that could draw children's attention to the appliance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the indicator light is deactivated immediately after locking, then visual distraction is minimized, but users may not be aware that the appliance is locked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual distractionVSAvoidlock-out status notification

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The controller activates the indicator light periodically after the appliance is locked, providing users with status notifications at intervals. This ensures users are aware of the locked state while minimizing continuous visual distraction, as the light is only active during specific time periods rather than constantly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS9971322B2Lock-out operation for appliances

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

Methods for operating appliances, as well as appliances such as cooktop appliances, are provided. A method includes locking the appliance such that user inputs to a user interface assembly of the appliance are prevented from altering operation of the appliance. The method further includes activating an indicator light when the appliance is locked, and deactivating the indicator light after a predetermined time period from activation of the indicator light when the appliance is locked.