Reconfigurable Control Panel With Programmable Overlays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control panels for beverage brewing appliances are inflexible and costly to produce due to the need for multiple variations, requiring separate components and inventory for different machine configurations, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable control panel with a printed circuit board, ribbon cable connector, and interchangeable overlays that allow for programmable switch configurations and communication through physical interaction, RFID tags, or other sensors to adapt to various machine settings, enabling a single panel to serve multiple brewing options and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control panel variations are produced for different machine configurations, then each configuration has dedicated buttons and indicators, but manufacturing costs and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is designed with all possible buttons and indicators permanently installed, allowing a single universal panel to support multiple machine configurations. The panel can be programmed through physical interaction to enable or disable specific buttons and indicators based on the desired configuration, eliminating the need to manufacture separate panel variations for different models.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel implements dynamic reconfiguration through programmable switches that can be enabled or disabled based on machine configuration. This allows the static physical panel to dynamically adapt its functionality through software control, where buttons and indicators can be activated or deactivated without physical modification to the panel itself.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate control panels are manufactured for different brewing options, then each panel is optimized for its specific function, but production costs and parts inventory increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple configuration-specific control panels are merged into a single universal panel that contains all possible buttons and indicators. By combining the functionality of what would otherwise require separate panels into one unified design, the system eliminates the need to manufacture and stock multiple panel variations, reducing parts inventory while maintaining configuration-specific optimization through programmable control.
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
This solution allows for a single control panel design to accommodate multiple brewing configurations, reducing manufacturing costs and inventory while providing customizable options for users, enhancing flexibility and user experience through programmable and adaptable interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
RFID tags or other sensors may be placed on the control panel to determine which faceplate is present
Data Source
AI summary
A control panel for use with a beverage brewing device is provided. The control panel includes a circuit board and connector assembly in combination with a least one overlay. The circuit board, board includes at least one and commonly a plurality of devices which may include switches and lights. A plurality of overlays are configured for use with control areas. The control areas are analogous to switch controls or light areas which are provided on the circuit board. The overlays may have but are not required to have a one-to-one correspondence with the components on the circuit board. The multiple overlays in combination with a single circuit board allows for a many-to-one combination of overlays to circuit board. Additionally, the circuit board may be programmed to activate or deactivate selected components so that components underlying an overlay without a corresponding control area cannot be activated. Reprogramming may be done in a variety of situation and may be provided in a self programmable configuration which may include, but is not limited to and RFID device carried on at least one of the circuit board and overlay.