Warranty Period Input Control for Purchase-Date Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming devices fail to provide appropriate warranty support when the warranty period is determined based on the date of purchase, as the warranty period information is not pre-stored in the memory, leading to potential loss of warranty coverage due to user forgetfulness.

Innovation Solution

A control device with an input unit, display unit, and storage unit allows users to input warranty period information, which is stored in the storage unit, enabling the device to provide notifications and guidance based on the stored warranty period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the warranty period is pre-stored in memory at the time of shipping, then the device can provide automatic warranty notifications and guidance, but this approach is not applicable when the warranty period is determined based on the user's purchase date at a retail store

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewarranty support reliabilityVSAvoidwarranty period determination flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by displaying an input screen immediately after purchase to collect warranty period information while the user still remembers it. This preliminary data collection ensures that warranty information is captured at the optimal time, enabling subsequent automatic notifications and guidance without compromising either reliability or flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The input screen serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the system's warranty management functionality. It mediates the transfer of warranty period information from the user to the storage unit, bridging the gap between flexible purchase-date-based warranty determination and the system's need for structured data to provide reliable automatic notifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the user relies on memory to recall the warranty period, then no additional input mechanism is needed, but the user may forget the warranty period and fail to receive appropriate warranty support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput mechanism complexityVSAvoidwarranty coverage reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically displaying the input screen and managing the storage of warranty information without requiring complex user intervention. The user simply provides the warranty period data, and the system handles all subsequent processing, notifications, and guidance automatically, minimizing both complexity and the risk of user forgetfulness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by displaying an input screen that prompts the user to enter warranty period information. This feedback mechanism ensures that the necessary data is collected and stored, creating a reliable basis for future warranty notifications and guidance while keeping the interaction simple for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If an input screen is displayed to collect warranty period information, then the system can store and use this information for notifications, but this requires additional user interaction and input mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewarranty information accuracyVSAvoiduser input convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The input screen is displayed at the preliminary stage immediately after purchase when the user most likely remembers the warranty period. This timing maximizes the accuracy of the collected information while minimizing the burden on the user, as they can provide the data before it becomes forgotten or difficult to recall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The warranty information collection is designed as a one-time, simple interaction rather than a complex ongoing process. The input screen appears briefly at the critical moment to capture essential data, then the system handles all subsequent warranty management automatically, making the overall process convenient for the user while ensuring accurate information collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20260017666A1Control device configured to manage warranty period information

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A consumable component consuming device includes an input unit configured to receive user input, a display unit, a storage unit, and a controller. The controller causes the display unit to display an input screen that prompts the user to input a warranty period associated with a first warranty contract. Based on the input received via the input unit, the controller stores warranty period information corresponding to the warranty period of the first warranty contract in the storage unit.