Laundry Appliance Outer Panel Interface for Concealed Control Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry appliances require users to open the outer panel to access the user interface, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially when needing to pause or stop a cycle without opening the panel.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic outer structure with an intermediary interface that allows users to engage the user interface without opening the panel, using mechanisms like pressure sensors, strain gauges, and gesture sensing regions to communicate commands to the controller for operating the appliance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the user interface is concealed behind an outer cosmetic panel, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidaccess to user interface

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

An outer selector is positioned on the outer cosmetic panel to serve as an intermediary interface. This outer selector communicates with the controller via the user interface, allowing users to control the appliance without opening the cosmetic panel. The intermediary outer selector resolves the contradiction by providing operational access while maintaining the concealed aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the outer panel is opened to access the user interface, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to user interfaceVSAvoidtime to access controls

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The outer selector positioned on the cosmetic panel provides direct access to control functions without requiring the panel to be opened. This intermediary interface eliminates the time loss associated with opening and closing the panel while maintaining ease of operation for common functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the outer panel is opened to access the user interface, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to user interfaceVSAvoiddamage or ineffective cycles

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The outer selector serves as an intermediary that provides access to essential control functions without requiring opening the cosmetic panel. This prevents harmful effects such as damage to the panel from frequent opening/closing or ineffective cycles that may occur when users open the panel unnecessarily to check or adjust settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12018423B2User interface solutions for accessing appliance control through cosmetic outer cabinet

Publication Date: 2024.06.25 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A laundry appliance includes a body that houses a motor that selectively operates a drum for processing laundry, wherein the body includes an aperture for selectively accessing the drum. A door panel provides selective access to the aperture. A controller is configured to operate at least the motor. A user interface is in communication with the controller for selecting a laundry-processing operation to be performed. An outer panel at least partially conceals the body from view. An outer selector is positioned proximate the outer panel, wherein the outer selector is in communication with the controller via the user interface.