Laundry washing and drying machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry washing and drying machines have cumbersome program selection processes due to a high number of programs, leading to complex and confusing control panels with numerous writings and symbols.
Innovation Solution
A laundry washing and drying machine with a first input device for setting a prefixed kind of laundry and a second input device to differentiate between washing and drying programs, reducing the need for multiple symbols and improving ergonomics and aesthetics by simplifying the selection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a high number of washing and drying programs are provided, then the machine can handle more specific laundry types, but the control panel becomes complex and confusing with numerous writings and symbols
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is segmented into two functional areas: a first input device for selecting laundry type (cotton, wool, synthetics, etc.) and a second input device for selecting operation mode (washing, drying, or combined). This segmentation reduces the visual clutter and complexity on the control panel while maintaining access to multiple programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel uses universal input devices that can serve multiple functions. The first input device universally handles all laundry type selections, and the second input device universally handles all operation mode selections, regardless of the specific program being selected. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated controls for each individual program.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a high number of programs are provided, then more specific laundry treatments are available, but the selection procedure becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The program selection process is segmented into two simple steps: first selecting the laundry type and then selecting the operation mode. This segmentation breaks down the complex task of choosing from many programs into two simple, intuitive steps, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of presenting users with a long list of program names and descriptions to choose from, the invention inverts the approach by first asking for laundry type and then operation mode. This inversion simplifies the user's decision-making process by breaking it into smaller, more manageable choices.
3Loss of information
If numerous writings and symbols are provided on the control panel for each program, then all programs can be clearly identified, but the control panel requires lots of space and becomes harder to read
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel segments program identification into two categories: laundry type indicators and operation mode indicators. This segmentation reduces the total number of individual program labels needed, saving space while maintaining clear identification of the selected program's characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel uses universal indicators that apply across all programs. The first input device provides universal laundry type indicators, and the second input device provides universal operation mode indicators. This universal approach reduces the need for unique labels for each individual program, minimizing the space required on the control panel.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry washing and drying machine (1) comprising: a logic unit (25) adapted to control the electric/electronic components of the machine (1), a plurality of operating programs of the laundry washing and drying machine (1), each one designed specifically for a prefixed kind of laundry, being stored in the logic unit (25), for any prefixed kind of laundry being so stored a corresponding washing program and a corresponding drying program; a display device (27) adapted for presenting user information; a user input device (28) where control elements (29) are provided for selecting one operating program among the plurality of operating programs stored in the logic unit (25). The input device (28) comprises: a first input device (29I) operable by the user for setting, among sai the d plurality of prefixed operating programs stored in the logic unit (25), an operating program associated to a prefixed kind of laundry; a second input device (29II), different from the first input device, operable by the user to set that one operating program associated to a prefixed kind of laundry and set via the first input device (29I) is one between the washing program and the drying program associated to the prefixed kind of laundry.