Laundry treating appliance having a user interface and methods of operating same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating appliances lack an intuitive and user-friendly interface for controlling and monitoring the status of bulk dispensing systems, which can lead to inefficiencies in treating chemistry usage and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A touchscreen display with dynamically updated icons and human-machine interface capabilities that allow users to select and modify parameters associated with the bulk dispensing system, including status indicators for the fill level and operation state of the bulk reservoir, and the ability to interact with these icons to adjust settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional user interface is used in laundry treating appliances, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and user experience deteriorate due to lack of intuitive control and real-time monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual icons displayed on a touchscreen to represent the bulk reservoir and its status. These icons serve as graphical copies or representations of the physical reservoir, allowing users to monitor fill levels and operational states without directly observing the physical component. This graphical interface layer simplifies user interaction while maintaining accurate system representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The touchscreen display acts as an intermediary between the user and the bulk dispensing system. Instead of direct mechanical or physical interaction with the reservoir, users interact with visual icons and status indicators on the screen, which then communicate system state and receive user commands. This intermediary layer enhances ease of operation by providing intuitive visual feedback and control.
2Loss of information
If real-time monitoring of bulk reservoir status is implemented, then the loss of information is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the status of the bulk reservoir (fill level, operational state) and displaying this information in real-time on the touchscreen through icons. The controller receives status signals from the dispensing system and updates the visual representation accordingly, ensuring users have current information without requiring complex manual monitoring mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual icons on the touchscreen create graphical copies of the physical bulk reservoir status. These icons replicate the essential information (fill level, operational state) in a simplified visual format, allowing users to understand system state without direct observation of complex internal components or manual checking procedures.
3Loss of time
If dynamic icon updates are implemented on the touchscreen, then the loss of time for user decision-making is reduced, but the use of energy increases due to continuous display updates
Solution Approach 1:
The touchscreen display updates icons periodically or event-driven rather than continuously. The controller refreshes the visual representation of bulk reservoir status at specific intervals or when status changes occur, rather than maintaining constant high-frequency updates. This periodic updating approach provides users with timely information for decision-making while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from continuous display refreshes.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry treating appliance includes a treating chamber provided for receiving laundry for treatment, a controller having a memory in which is stored a set of executable instructions including a set of cycles of operations. The laundry treating appliance also includes a user interface operably coupled with the controller and having a touchscreen configured to provide an input and output function for the controller.