Household appliance with a rotational user interface element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances with rotatable user interfaces, such as washing machines and dryers, require large rotational movements when the number of selections is limited, leading to uncomfortable operation and a negative user experience.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable user interface element that engages in a discrete number of defined rotational positions, with a group of light elements that illuminate or change state based on the rotational state, allowing more steps than LEDs, providing a comfortable and direct selection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of rotational positions is equal to the number of light elements, then each selection can be clearly indicated by a light element, but large rotational movements are required which are uncomfortable for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rotational positions into more discrete steps than the number of light elements. The rotatable element is divided into multiple engagement positions (e.g., 12 positions) while the light elements remain fewer (e.g., 8 LEDs). This segmentation allows the user to rotate through more intermediate positions, reducing the angular distance between selectable options and making operation more comfortable while maintaining clear indication through the light elements.
2Ease of operation
If the number of rotational positions is increased beyond the number of light elements, then rotational comfort is improved, but the mapping between positions and indicators becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping relationship between the rotational positions and light elements. Instead of a direct one-to-one correspondence, the system uses a many-to-few mapping where multiple rotational positions can correspond to the same light element state, or adjacent positions can illuminate adjacent LEDs. This intermediary mapping logic, managed by the control system, resolves the complexity by providing intuitive sequential illumination patterns that guide the user through the selection process without requiring them to understand the underlying position-indicator relationship.
3Device complexity
If fewer light elements are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the number of selectable options that can be clearly indicated is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the illumination pattern adaptive rather than static. The light elements can be illuminated in different sequences and patterns depending on the rotational position and user interaction. The system dynamically activates specific light elements based on the current rotational state, allowing a small number of physical LEDs to represent a larger number of selectable options through dynamic illumination patterns and sequential activation.
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 configuration enhances user interface usability and appliance handling by allowing convenient and efficient access to settings, providing clear feedback through sequential illumination, and reducing the need for large angular movements, thus improving the overall user experience.
Implementation Method 1
at least one group of light elements is provided, whereby the appliance is configured such that the light elements are illuminated and/or can be activated depending on the rotational state and/or movement of the rotatable user interface element
Data Source
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AI summary
Household appliance (2), comprising a rotatable user interface element (44) which during a rotation by one full round engages in a discrete number of defined rotational positions, whereby at least one group (50) of light elements (54) is provided, whereby said appliance (2) is configured such that said light elements are illuminated and/or can be activated depending on the rotational state and/or movement of said rotatable user interface element, (44) whereby said number of rotational position is larger than the number of light elements in said group (50).