Dishwasher Door-Edge Light Interface for Cycle Status Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic dishwashers lack a user-friendly interface that effectively communicates available cycle options and the status of the cycle operation, relying on timers and dial positions which can be confusing for users.
Innovation Solution
An illuminable user interface along the top edge of the dishwasher door that operates in both user input and status modes, using a light array to animate and indicate the status of the appliance, providing visual cues for cycle options and operation stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional user interface with buttons and timers is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the user experience is poor and cycle options are not clearly communicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical buttons and physical timers with an optical system using LEDs and a controller. The controller receives user inputs and communicates cycle information through illuminated patterns on the user interface, substituting mechanical interaction with optical signaling to improve user experience while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different illumination patterns, colors, and sequences of LEDs to communicate various cycle options and appliance status. By varying the optical properties of the user interface through controlled illumination, the system provides rich information feedback without requiring complex mechanical or electronic displays
2Loss of information
If a timer and dial position are used to indicate status, then the device complexity is low, but the information communication to users is insufficient and confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors appliance status and communicates it back to the user through illuminated patterns. The system provides real-time feedback about cycle progress, selected options, and appliance state through varying LED illumination patterns, ensuring users have clear information about system status without complex displays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic illumination patterns to communicate different aspects of cycle status. By cycling through different illumination sequences and patterns over time, the system conveys information about cycle progress, phase transitions, and status changes in a visually intuitive manner that is easier to understand than static timer displays
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
Enhances user experience by clearly displaying available cycle options and the status of the appliance's operation through intuitive lighting animations, making it easier for users to select cycles and understand the progress of their dishwashing tasks.
Implementation Method 1
The user interface can have a corresponding light array for at least some of the inputs. The method can include controlling the activation of the array of lights to generate an animation indicative of a status of the dish treating appliance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a dish treating appliance includes a user interface disposed along the top edge of a door for selectively opening and closing access to a treating chamber. The user interface can be illuminated and operating the user interface can include operating a user input mode when the door is open and a status mode when the door is closed.