Laundry washing machine provided with a control panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users find it difficult to prepare laundry washing machines correctly due to the complexity of numerous washing programs and options, leading to frequent consultation of user manuals and potential misuse of treating agents.
Innovation Solution
A laundry washing machine with a treating agents dispenser and control panel featuring common visual identifiers for selected washing programs and options, guiding users to correctly select and insert the appropriate treating agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the washing machine provides a great number of washing programs and options, then the machine's functionality and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-coded visual identifiers (first and second visual identifiers) to different washing programs and options on the control panel. Each program and option is assigned a specific color or visual marker, allowing users to quickly identify and select appropriate treating agents without needing to read detailed instructions. This color-coding system reduces the perceived complexity while maintaining the full range of washing programs and options.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the washing machine provides a great number of washing programs and options, then the machine's adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual identifiers as an intermediary between the control panel and the treating agents drawer. These visual markers act as a communication bridge, automatically indicating which treating agents should be used for each selected program or option. This intermediary system eliminates the need for users to consult manuals or understand complex program specifications, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving adaptability.
3Loss of information
If the control panel provides detailed information about washing programs, then the loss of information is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing detailed textual information about each washing program, the patent uses color-coded visual identifiers to convey essential information. The first visual identifier indicates the washing program type, while the second visual identifier indicates the required treating agent. This visual information system reduces information loss while avoiding the complexity of detailed text descriptions and manual consultations.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry washing machine equipped with a treating agents dispenser comprising compartments adapted to be filled with at least one treating agent and a control panel comprising at least one first input device operable by the user to select a washing program and at least one second input device operable by the user to select an option for the selected washing program which implies the use of an additional treating agent which has to be inserted in a dedicated compartment. The control panel further comprises first output devices informing the user of the selectable washing program and at least one second output device informing the user of the selectable option for the washing program. At least one of said first output devices and said at least one second output device comprise a common visual identifier.