Dishwasher Control Module With External Rinse Program Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances, such as dishwashers, have programmable control modules that cannot be easily reprogrammed or modified after installation, requiring significant assembly effort to change rinsing program sequences.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a programmable control module with an external interface that allows for programming of rinsing program sequences without dismantling essential parts of the appliance, enabling external access for programming before, during, or after production, using plug connections, infrared, or wireless interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the program control module is pre-programmed by the supplier, then the number of hardware variants is reduced, but the ability to customize rinsing program sequences after installation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A programming adapter is introduced as an intermediary component that connects to the control module's programming interface. This adapter enables external programming access through the appliance's exterior walls without requiring dismantling of internal components. The adapter serves as a mediator between the user and the pre-programmed control module, allowing customization while maintaining the original module's integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the program controller is located in the interior of the household appliance, then it is protected from damage, but programming requires dismantling significant parts or removing the controller
Solution Approach 1:
The programming interface is segmented into two separate components: the programming interface itself remains integrated within the protected interior control module, while the programming adapter is a separate external component that interfaces with the appliance's exterior. This segmentation allows the interior controller to remain protected while enabling external programming access through the adapter connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If the interface is accessible from outside without dismantling important parts, then programming can be done after installation, but the interface requires additional external access points
Solution Approach 1:
The programming capability is extracted from the interior control module and made accessible through an external adapter that connects to the appliance's exterior. The adapter takes out the programming function from the protected interior environment and provides it through an external interface, allowing programming after installation without modifying the interior controller's protected position.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher, the program control of which permits the installation of the program control module in the dishwasher, a subsequent programming of the program control and a change to the rinse program sequence pre-programmed in the program control. An electronic program control for the control of rinsing program sequences is provided with a programmable control module and includes an interface, for the external programming of at least one rinsing program sequence, carried out by the program control, which may be directly contacted from outside the dishwasher. By integrating an interface that may be directly contacted from outside the dishwasher, for the external programming of rinsing program sequences in the control module of the program control, the program control can be installed in the dishwasher without pre-programming and programmed in a final step, or after the production of the dishwasher.