Household appliance with control element and and method for operating a household appliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of household appliances face difficulties in resetting operating parameters after incorrect operation, often forgetting the adjusted values and dealing with multiple changes that complicate the resetting process.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a reset control element that allows operators to easily revert to original settings by actuating a dedicated button or switch, with options for resetting single or multiple changes, including time-dependent and state-specific configurations, to simplify the resetting process without needing to remember the adjusted values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a control element is operated incorrectly, then the operating parameter changes, but the user cannot easily reset to the original value

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresetting operationVSAvoidoriginal value memory
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores the original operating parameter value in advance before any changes occur. This preliminary storage of information allows the user to reset to the exact original value without needing to remember it, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of resetting operation and loss of original value information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If multiple operating parameters are changed, then the complexity of resetting increases, but a simple reset mechanism is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresetting processVSAvoidreset mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reset function is segmented into two distinct modes: a first reset mode that resets to the original stored value, and a second reset mode that sequentially undoes individual changes. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple parameter changes while maintaining simplicity through mode selection, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a reset function is added, then resetting becomes easier, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter resettingVSAvoidcontrol element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control element is designed with multi-functionality, where existing control elements serve both their primary function of changing parameters and a secondary function of initiating reset operations through specific operation patterns (e.g., prolonged pressing or specific sequences). This universality adds the reset capability without requiring entirely new dedicated hardware components, thus improving ease of operation while minimizing increases in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2751490B1Household appliance with control element and and method for operating a household appliance
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2751490B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2751490B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2751490B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The household appliance (1, G) is equipped with at least one control element (4, 5a-d, 6a-d, 7-12) for modifying at least one operating parameter of the household appliance (1, G), the household appliance (1, G) further comprising a reset control element (13), which is provided for resetting at least one most recently carried out modification. A method is used for operating a household appliance (1, G), wherein at least one most recently carried out modification of an operating parameter can be reset by an operator.