Household Appliance Key Lock Reset via On/Off Switch Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances lack a straightforward method to quickly cancel the key lock function, requiring users to reapply a predefined push button combination, which is inconvenient, especially in emergency situations or when the appliance is turned off unexpectedly.
Innovation Solution
The household appliance incorporates a microcontroller that allows the key lock function to be cancelled by simply turning the on/off switch off and on, regardless of the push button combination, in waiting modes excluding the run mode, preventing unintended cancellation during power failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the key lock function is activated to prevent unauthorized operation changes, then security and protection of operating programs is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot quickly cancel the key lock in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the on/off switch functionality into two distinct modes: a first position for normal appliance operation and a second position specifically for canceling the key lock function. This segmentation allows the same physical switch to serve different purposes based on its position, enabling quick key lock cancellation without requiring a separate button or complex input sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The on/off switch is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary power control and as a key lock cancellation mechanism. By configuring the switch to have multiple positions (first position for normal operation, second position for key lock cancellation), the patent eliminates the need for a dedicated key lock cancellation button, simplifying the user interface while maintaining security during normal operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the on/off button is made independent of the key lock to allow emergency shutdown, then safety in emergency situations is improved, but the key lock function becomes less effective because the appliance can be restarted without canceling the key lock first
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior to the on/off switch by adding a second position that temporarily overrides the key lock function. When the switch is moved to the second position, the key lock cancellation is triggered dynamically, allowing emergency restart. This dynamic capability ensures that safety overrides are available when needed while maintaining the key lock's protective function during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for emergency situations by pre-configuring the on/off switch with a second position that can cancel the key lock function. This preliminary anti-action ensures that if the appliance needs to be restarted during operation (bypassing normal key lock restrictions), the user can do so by simply moving the switch to the second position and back, without needing to know or execute the key lock cancellation sequence.
3Ease of operation
If a separate key lock cancellation button is added to the control panel, then the ease of operation for canceling key lock is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by configuring the existing on/off switch to serve dual purposes: normal power control in its first position and key lock cancellation in its second position. This eliminates the need to add a separate cancellation button to the control panel, maintaining a clean and simple interface while providing the required functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the key lock cancellation function with the existing on/off switch by adding a second position to it. This consolidation combines two functions (power control and key lock cancellation) into a single control element, reducing the total number of buttons and controls on the panel while improving ease of operation for key lock cancellation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a household appliance (1), for example a washing machine, comprising a control panel (2), a switch (3, 103) which is located on the control panel (2), and which provides the household appliance (1) to be turned on and off by being energized or beside the function of turning on/off, which has the program (P) select function as well, more than one push button (4) which determines the auxiliary functions (F) to be applied, a start button (5) which provides the selected program (P) to be started and when desired, which provides the program (P) to be paused by being pressed again, and a microcontroller (6) which activates the key lock function (KL) and blocks the functions of the buttons (4, 5) when the push button (4) combination, defined in the software, is pressed by the user.