Component, domestic appliance, system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of household appliances face difficulties in obtaining correct information for accessories and replacement parts due to lost operating instructions, and determining the correct type or device number for digital information retrieval is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A component with a non-detachable optical indication element that provides coded information, such as appliance numbers or references to external resources, which can be detected using an optical facility, ensuring durable and long-lasting information access even under harsh conditions, and linking to digital resources like servers via the internet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If operating instructions are provided digitally via server, then information accessibility is improved, but user ability to locate correct information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the operating instructions in the form of a QR code that can be stored permanently on the appliance. This copy contains all necessary information and can be accessed without needing to locate physical manuals or search through digital archives, resolving both the accessibility and ease of location problems
Solution Approach 2:
The QR code is applied to the appliance during manufacturing, before the user needs the information. This preliminary placement ensures the information access point is already in position and requires no user action to set up, making information retrieval immediately easy while maintaining permanent accessibility
2Ease of manufacture
If optical indication element is made detachable, then ease of replacement is improved, but information integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical indication element with the appliance component itself, making them a single integrated unit. This combination ensures the information carrier cannot be lost or detached, maintaining permanent information integrity while still allowing the entire component to be replaced as a unit if needed
3Reliability
If optical indication element is made robust, then information durability is improved, but manufacturing complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a QR code, which is a relatively simple optical pattern that can be manufactured using standard printing or laser marking techniques. This copying approach achieves high durability without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as the information is stored in a simple visual pattern rather than complex physical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical information storage systems with an optical system (QR code). This substitution allows information to be stored in a lightweight, durable format that can be applied to surfaces without adding mechanical complexity to the manufacturing process
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 ensures permanent and robust access to essential information for household appliance users, allowing easy retrieval of instructions and maintenance data through optical detection, maintaining integrity during use and environmental exposure.
Implementation Method 1
the optical indication element can be detected by means of an optical detection facility
Data Source
AI summary
A component for use with a household appliance includes an optical indication element arranged in a non-detachable manner on the component and comprising coded information relating to the component. The optical indication element is designed for detection by an optical detection facility.