Washing Machine Adaptive Option Storage for User Preference Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machines lack the ability to automatically adjust washing options based on user preferences, requiring users to manually change settings each time, which is cumbersome and does not fully satisfy individual washing needs.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine with a display, inputter, and processor that allows users to change washing options, stores these changes, and automatically switches to a customized option set after a predetermined number of continuous changes, enabling personalized washing preferences and displaying updated operating times based on laundry weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If washing options are manually set by the user each time, then the washing machine can perform the washing function, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setting washing optionsVSAvoidtime required to change settings

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine stores previously modified washing option sets in advance. When a user selects a washing course, the machine automatically retrieves and applies the pre-stored customized option set corresponding to that course, eliminating the need for manual re-setting each time the washing machine is used.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The washing machine automatically detects which washing options have been modified by the user and autonomously stores these customized settings in the storage unit. The system then automatically applies the stored customized option sets without requiring user intervention, making the machine serve itself by remembering and repeating user preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If washing options are pre-set by the manufacturer, then the washing machine can operate automatically, but it cannot satisfy individual user washing preferences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to user preferencesVSAvoidease of changing settings

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine pre-stores multiple customized washing option sets in the storage unit, each corresponding to different washing courses. When a user selects a washing course, the machine automatically retrieves the pre-prepared customized option set that matches the selected course, providing adaptability to user preferences without requiring manual adjustment at operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The washing machine modifies washing option parameters (such as water temperature, washing time, rinse cycles) based on user preferences and stores these customized parameter sets. The system then applies the appropriate customized parameter set automatically when the corresponding washing course is selected, enabling the machine to adapt to individual user preferences while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the washing machine stores and automatically applies customized option sets, then user preferences are satisfied, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to customize washing optionsVSAvoidcomplexity of control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine divides the washing options into separate, independent parameters (such as water temperature, washing time, rinse cycles, dehydration level) that can be individually modified and stored. The storage unit stores customized option sets as segmented data corresponding to different washing courses, allowing the system to manage complexity by handling each parameter independently rather than as a monolithic configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the washing machine automatically changes washing options based on stored preferences, then user convenience is improved, but reliability may be compromised if preferences are incorrectly applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of washing option selectionVSAvoidaccuracy of option application

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The washing machine monitors and detects when a user modifies washing options during operation. The control unit receives feedback about which options are changed and automatically stores these customized settings in the storage unit. This feedback mechanism ensures that the machine accurately captures user preferences and reliably applies the correct customized option sets in future operations, preventing incorrect application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12054869B2Washing machine and method of controlling the same

Publication Date: 2024.08.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A washing machine and a method of controlling the washing machine are provided. The washing machine includes a display configured to display a washing course and a first washing option set corresponding to the washing course, an inputter configured to receive a user's option change command for changing at least one washing option among a plurality of washing options included in the first washing option set from a user, a storage configured to store a washing option set including the changed at least one washing option, and at least one processor configured, based on the storage of the washing option set being more than a predetermined number of times, to control the first washing option set to be changed to a second washing option set based on the changed at least one washing option.