Knob structure for washing machine and washing machine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machine control panels with separate knobs and buttons lack the ability to display the position of rotation grade, making operations inconvenient and affecting user experience.
Innovation Solution
A knob structure for washing machines incorporating a rotating assembly, display screen assembly, pressing assembly, incremental code plate, and PCBA (printed circuit board assembly) that allows for the display of rotation grades and selection of programs, with the PCBA processing electrical signals from the incremental code plate to control the display screen and switch button, enabling intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate knobs and buttons are used for control, then the control functions are simple to implement, but the operation convenience deteriorates due to lack of rotation position display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the knob and display screen into a single integrated assembly. The display screen is positioned within the knob structure, allowing the knob to simultaneously serve as both a control input device and a display device. This merging eliminates the need for separate control elements and provides rotation position feedback directly at the control location, improving operation convenience without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The knob assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a rotational control input, a display screen mounting structure, and a position feedback mechanism. The display screen integrated into the knob provides multi-functional capability by displaying information directly at the control location, allowing the same structural element to fulfill multiple control and information presentation roles.
2Ease of operation
If integrated knob and display assembly is used, then the operation convenience is improved through rotation position display, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is nested within the knob structure, with the display screen assembly positioned inside the knob's internal cavity. This nesting arrangement allows the display screen to be housed within the existing knob footprint, utilizing the internal space of the knob rather than requiring additional external space. This reduces the overall increase in device complexity while achieving the integrated display function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate control elements are used, then the control functions are comprehensive, but the space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of display screen within the knob assembly consolidates multiple control elements into a single compact unit. This merging reduces the total space required on the control panel compared to having separate knobs, buttons, and display elements distributed across the panel surface, while maintaining comprehensive control functionality through the integrated design.
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
The solution simplifies and conveniences the operation of washing machines by allowing users to select and confirm programs through a single rotating assembly, enhancing user experience and space utilization of the control panel.
Implementation Method 1
an incremental code plate, arranged inside the rotating assembly and electrically connected to the PCBA, for feeding back different electrical signals to the PCBA according to a change of the rotation angle of the rotating assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A knob structure for a washing machine and a washing machine (1). The knob structure comprises a knob assembly (1-3), a display screen assembly (20), a pressing assembly (30), and a PCBA (601). The knob assembly (1-3) comprises a knob rotation base (102), a fixed body (104), and a knob decoration ring (101). The knob rotation base (102) is provided with a first accommodating groove (102-1) at an upper end thereof, a second accommodating groove (102-2) at a middle section thereof, and a third accommodating groove (102-3) at a lower end thereof; and several uniformly distributed concave-convex grooves (102-4) are provided on the inner peripheral wall of the second accommodating groove (102-2). A metal conductive sheet A (103) is mounted at the bottom of the second accommodating groove (102-2). A metal conductive sheet B (104-B), a metal conductive sheet C (104-C), and a metal conductive sheet D (104-D) are mounted at the lower end of the fixed body (104). The display screen assembly (20) comprises a display base (203), a display module (202), and a glass lens (201). The pressing assembly (30) comprises a knob fixing support (301), a switch button (302), and a rotating sound generator (50). The knob structure for a washing machine and the washing machine (1) have a function of displaying the position of rotation grade, and the operation is simple and convenient.