Washing apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washing apparatuses have complex and dispersed user interfaces, making it difficult for users to select wash courses and options intuitively, with limited ability to add new courses and a cluttered control panel design that is not user-friendly, especially for inexperienced users.
Innovation Solution
A washing apparatus with a simplified user interface featuring a rotary knob for course selection, a display for course and option screens, and a single variable input unit that converts input information, allowing users to select and change options without cluttering the control panel, with light transmission units for intuitive data representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple select units and display units are provided for diverse wash courses and options, then the washing apparatus can provide comprehensive functions, but the control panel becomes cluttered and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple select units and display units into a single integrated touch-sensitive display panel. The display panel combines course selection, option selection, and information display functions into one unified interface, eliminating the need for separate rotary knobs, push buttons, and LED indicators for each function. This consolidation maintains comprehensive wash course capabilities while dramatically simplifying the control panel layout and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive display panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays wash course information, accepts course selections, presents option selections, and provides feedback to users. This single universal interface replaces numerous specialized components, allowing the system to maintain diverse functionality while reducing physical complexity and improving user interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional control panel with multiple dispersed select units is used, then diverse functions can be accessed, but inexperienced users find it difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive display panel acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex washing machine functions. It provides a intuitive graphical interface that translates user touches into specific course and option selections, while also translating machine status into easily understood visual displays. This intermediary layer shields inexperienced users from the complexity of multiple separate controls while maintaining full access to diverse washing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel uses visual changes including color variations, brightness adjustments, and graphical element transformations to provide intuitive feedback to users. Different colors and visual states indicate different operational modes, selection states, and machine status, making it easy for inexperienced users to understand what is happening without needing to interpret complex mechanical indicator systems.
3Area of stationary object
If the control panel internal space is limited, then the device remains compact, but additional user interface functions cannot be added
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive display panel provides a dynamic interface that can change its content and functionality based on the current operational context. The same physical panel area can display different information and accept different types of inputs depending on what stage of operation the machine is in, effectively providing expanded functionality within a fixed physical footprint. The interface can be reconfigured software-wise to add or emphasize different functions without adding physical components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing apparatus and to a washing apparatus having a convenient user interface. More specifically, the present invention relates to a washing apparatus that provides a user interface that is concentrated, simple and intuitive. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a washing apparatus may be provided that is characterized by comprising: an annular rotary knob (510) provided for course selection; a display (540) for selectively displaying a course screen showing information on a course selected from within the radial directions of the rotary knob (510), and an options screen for changing options for at least one wash water temperature; washing intensity, number of rinses, and spin-dry intensity within the course; a switching input part provided within the radial directions of the rotary knob (510) in order to switch between the course screen and the options screen through a selection by a user; and a single variable input part (560) provided to change the options when in the options screen and to make inputs unrelated to the options when in the course screen.