Interface and clothes processing apparatus comprising interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treatment apparatus interfaces require separate spaces for displaying, searching, and selecting control commands, leading to increased space requirements for installation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated interface that combines display, search, and selection functions into a single device, utilizing an encoder, actuator, and display unit with a signal generator, shaft, and handle to minimize space usage, including a mounting space for a second circuit board and cover to control the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If display, search, and selection functions are arranged in separate spaces, then each function can be independently designed and operated, but the total installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display unit, encoder for search function, and selection buttons into a single integrated interface assembly. The display unit shows control commands while the encoder and buttons are positioned within the same housing, allowing all three functions to operate independently yet occupy a compact unified space, thereby reducing the total installation area while preserving functional independence
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated interface assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the display unit provides visual output for control commands, the encoder enables searching through rotation, and the buttons allow selection and confirmation. This multi-functional design consolidates what would traditionally require separate devices into one universal interface component, minimizing space requirements
2Device complexity
If display device is distributed in width or height direction, then functional separation is achieved, but more installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder and selection buttons are positioned within or adjacent to the display unit housing, creating a nested arrangement where smaller functional components are housed within the same boundary as the larger display component. This nesting strategy achieves functional separation while maintaining a compact overall footprint that minimizes installation space
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to an interface comprising: an encoder including a stationary unit, a rotary unit which is rotatably coupled to the stationary unit, and a signal generation unit which is connected to a first circuit board and generates an electrical signal when the rotary unit is rotated; an actuator including a shaft which is fixed to the rotary unit, a handle which is fixed to the shaft and to which a force required for rotation of the shaft is input, an accommodation space which is provided in the handle to have a larger cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of the shaft, and a handle through-hole which passes through one surface of the handle so as to allow the accommodation space to communicate with the outside; and a display unit including a fastening body which passes through the shaft and is fixed to the stationary unit, an accommodation body which is fastened to the fastening body and is positioned in the accommodation space, and a display which is fixed onto a side of the accommodation body, facing the handle through-hole, and on which information is displayed.