Dishwasher Single-Button Control for Program and Language Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

In dishwashers with a single start button, users face difficulty in accessing and changing washing programs and display language settings due to complex processes, which are typically restricted for safety reasons, limiting their ability to select alternative programs or change languages.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher design where a single start button functions differently based on the door position, allowing users to start the automatic washing program when closed and access a setting menu for program changes and language selection when open, enabling easy access to reference programs and language options through prolonged button presses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single start button is used to simplify the interface, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot easily access setting menus or change programs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol interface complexityVSAvoidaccess to setting menu
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the start button's function changeable based on door position. When the door is closed, the button starts the washing program; when the door is open, it accesses the setting menu. This dynamic functional change allows a single button to serve multiple purposes, reducing interface complexity while maintaining ease of operation for different user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the start button is made multifunctional to improve ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control logic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram selectionVSAvoidcontrol card logic
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses door position as an intermediary condition that mediates the start button's function. The control card detects door position (open/closed) and automatically determines which function to activate. This intermediary approach simplifies the control logic compared to implementing a full menu system, as the door position naturally divides the functionality into two clear states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If setting menu access is restricted for safety reasons, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot change programs or language settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety restrictionVSAvoidlanguage selection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the start button's function changeable based on door position. When the door is closed, the button starts the washing program; when the door is open, it accesses the setting menu. This dynamic functional change allows a single button to serve multiple purposes, reducing interface complexity while maintaining ease of operation for different user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2515739B1A dishwasher comprising a single button
Publication Date: 2013.10.02 ARCELIK AS
  • EP2515739B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a door (2), a control panel (3) disposed at the upper side of the door (2), a latch (4) disposed on the door (2) and providing the door (2) to be releasably locked, an on/off switch (5) disposed on the door (2) that provides the dishwasher (1) to be energized or to turn off the supplied energy, a control card (6) providing to perform an automatic washing program (P) the parameters of which are determined according to data such as dirt level of the dishes and temperature of the wash water, a single start button (7) providing the automatic washing program (P) to be started by the user pressing thereon and a display (8) that provides the user to monitor the data relating to the washing process and wherein changes can be made in the washing program or the display (8) language (L) by means of a single start button (7).