Method and device for choosing and selecting washing programs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treatment machines have limited storage capacity for individual programs, allowing only a few custom settings, making it cumbersome for users to select and activate desired laundry treatment processes.
Innovation Solution
Combining basic programs and associated data into target group packages, accessible by a name, allowing users to select and activate suitable program compilations without numerous individual entries, using an operating device with a control panel that displays and manages these packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual custom programs are stored for each laundry treatment process, then program versatility is improved, but storage capacity is exceeded and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the program selection process into two hierarchical levels: target group selection (first level) and basic program selection (second level). This segmentation allows programs to be organized into reusable target group packages containing multiple basic programs, effectively multiplying the usable program variety without proportionally increasing storage requirements. Each target group package acts as a template that can be applied to multiple basic programs.
Solution Approach 2:
Target group packages serve as universal templates that can be applied across multiple basic programs. A single target group package defines parameter settings that can be reused for different laundry treatment processes, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate custom programs for each variation. This universality allows the limited storage capacity to support a much larger effective program library.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous individual program entries are required, then program customization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring target group packages with appropriate parameter settings and program combinations during manufacturing or initial setup. Users benefit from this preliminary work by simply selecting from pre-organized target groups and basic programs, eliminating the need to manually configure numerous individual program parameters. The complex customization work has already been done in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer to program selection by introducing target group packages as an intermediate layer between fixed basic programs and fully custom programs. This dimensional change transforms the selection process from a linear sequence of individual parameter choices into a two-dimensional matrix of target groups cross-referenced with basic programs, dramatically simplifying user interaction while maintaining customization capability.
3Ease of operation
If factory-stored program compilations are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to individual needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by allowing flexible combination of factory-stored target group packages with user-selectable basic programs. The configuration is not fixed but can be dynamically adjusted by users selecting different basic programs within each target group. This dynamic approach maintains the ease of factory-prepared packages while enabling individual customization through program selection and parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing users to customize specific aspects (local areas) of the program compilation while retaining the overall structure of factory-stored target group packages. Users can select and modify individual basic programs within each target group, adjusting local parameters to match their specific needs while benefiting from the globally optimized target group configurations provided by the manufacturer.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and to an operating device, wherein at least partially prepared program combinations for program-controlled machine processing of wet or dry laundry treatments can be selected and input. Such prepared program combinations are base programs and associated program data stored in a storage device, and can be displayed on at least one display (5, 12) and entered by at least one selecting action (6, 13 to 17) and activated as a whole by a start action (23), wherein a number of program combinations each suitable for corresponding target groups are combined into a program group packet under a name for the corresponding target group and can be called up by said name, and wherein one of the program group packets is called first and a base program having associated program data is selected from the called program packets and activated.