Electric Oral Cleaner Mode Switching With a Time-Limited Power Button
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric oral cleaning devices confuse users by requiring the same input device to switch between operation modes and information types, leading to inconsistent functionality and user experience.
Innovation Solution
The power on-off control device is configured with a temporary secondary functionality for mode switching during a predetermined period, allowing intuitive operation mode changes without interfering with information display navigation, using a single control device for both power states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mode input device is used for switching between operation modes of the motor while the device is on, then the operation modes can be switched, but the same button cannot be used for navigating through information types when the device is off
Solution Approach 1:
The power on-off control device dynamically changes its function based on the motor state and display mode. When the motor is active and the display shows motor operation display mode, the power button transitions from a binary on/off switch to a mode selection button, enabling sequential switching between operation modes through repeated actuations
Solution Approach 2:
The power on-off control device implements periodic action by requiring multiple sequential actuations to cycle through different operation modes. Each actuation advances the mode selection, creating a periodic sequence of mode transitions that allows comprehensive access to all available modes using the same button
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional control devices are added to allow users to switch between operation modes, then mode switching capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power on-off control device serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary power switch for the motor, serves as a mode selection button when the motor is active and display is in motor operation display mode, and maintains consistency with the menu input device's behavior in both active and inactive states. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mode switching controls
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the power control function and mode selection function into a single control device. By combining these functions and using contextual cues (motor state and display mode) to determine the appropriate function, the patent reduces the total number of control devices while maintaining full operational capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the power on-off control device is actuated repeatedly during the first predetermined period, then the second functionality is maintained and mode switching continues, but the primary on-off functionality is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for potential mode switching by entering a preliminary state when the motor is active and the display shows motor operation display mode. During the first predetermined period after menu input device actuation, the power button is pre-configured to switch modes rather than turn off the motor, allowing users to quickly access different modes without the delay of confirming power-off intent
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to allow an electric oral cleaning device comprising a limited set of control device and a display to transition between operation modes, the power on-off control device, in the active state of the electric oral cleaning device, changes functionality from a basic on-off control device to an operation mode control device when actuated within a time period after actuation of the device. If the power on-off control device is actuated after this time period the original on-off functionality is retained. This allows to achieve normal on-off control, operation mode control, and menu control in an intuitive way for the user by retaining the expected functionality of the control device and using the power on-off control device to control the basic on- and off-state, as well as the operation modes within the on-state.