Oven Specific Key for Quick Start and Save Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing household appliances require multiple operating steps for preferred operation modes, making them cumbersome to use.

Innovation Solution

An oven with an On/Off-key and a specific key that allows users to save and start predefined or self-configured oven functions/programs from the Off-mode or Standby-mode, enabling quick and intuitive operation by using the same key for both saving and starting favorite functions/programs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operating steps are required to start a preferred oven function or program, then the appliance can store and recall multiple configurations, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to store and recall multiple oven configurationsVSAvoidnumber of operating steps required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of starting a preferred oven program by removing unnecessary intermediate steps. The specific key directly triggers the saved program without requiring the user to navigate through multiple menus or confirmations, thus extracting only the essential action needed while discarding redundant operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an asymmetric operation mode where a single key press for short duration starts the program, while a long press (different duration) saves the current program. This asymmetric time-based differentiation allows one key to perform multiple functions without confusion, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If a single key is used for both saving and starting functions, then the ease of operation improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the user's intent worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of interfaceVSAvoiduser intent detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of key actuation duration to differentiate between saving and starting functions. By measuring the time duration of the key press, the control unit can accurately detect user intent: a long press (e.g., 2-5 seconds) indicates saving intent, while a short press indicates starting intent. This parameter-based differentiation resolves the ambiguity of using a single key for multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9055618B2Oven and method for operating an oven

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 ELECTROLUX HOME PROD CORP NV

AI summary

Oven and method for operating an oven, comprising an On/Off-key (4), at least one key (3, 5) for choosing a predefined oven function or for choosing a predefined oven program and/or for programming a not predefined oven program, at least one specific key (6), which enables the user to start a preferred oven function or a preferred oven program from an Off-mode or a Standby-mode of the oven, wherein a running oven function or a running oven program can be saved by a memory unit as a preferred oven function or as a preferred oven program, when the specific key (6) is actuated at least for a predetermined period of time.