Washing Machine Steam Sanitize Cycle with Visual Feedback Indicators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fabric treatment appliances, such as washing machines, lack effective user interfaces for controlling steam sanitize cycles, making it difficult for users to confirm the execution and completion of steam sanitize operations.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a household washing machine that includes receiving a user-selected steam sanitize cycle, displaying indicators for the cycle's status, and executing the cycle through a controller, with visual feedback on the user interface to indicate the sanitize cycle's progress and completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a steam sanitize cycle is implemented in a washing machine, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but user interface clarity and feedback are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple feedback indicators on the user interface including a sanitize cycle indicator that displays when the cycle is active, a sanitized indicator that shows when sanitization is complete, and visual feedback mechanisms that provide real-time status information to users about the steam sanitize operation progress and completion
2Ease of operation
If visual indicators are added to the user interface to show cycle status, then user interaction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-changing indicators and visual displays on the control panel to communicate cycle status. Different colors or illumination states indicate different phases of the steam sanitize cycle, providing intuitive visual feedback without requiring complex additional controls or interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel indicators serve multiple functions: they display cycle selection, monitor cycle progress, indicate completion status, and provide user feedback all through integrated visual elements that perform several communication roles simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user interaction by providing clear visual indicators for the execution and completion of steam sanitize cycles, ensuring effective sanitization of laundry and appliance components.
Implementation Method 1
The steam from the steam generator can be used to, for example, heat water, heat a load of fabric items and any water absorbed by the fabric items
Implementation Method 2
heat water, heat a load of fabric items and any water absorbed by the fabric items
Implementation Method 3
dewrinkle fabric items
Implementation Method 4
heat a load of fabric items and any water absorbed by the fabric items
Implementation Method 5
remove odors from fabric items
Implementation Method 6
heat a load of fabric items and any water absorbed by the fabric items
Implementation Method 7
sanitize the fabric items
Implementation Method 8
The steam from the steam generator can be used to... sanitize the fabric items
Implementation Method 9
sanitize components of the fabric treatment appliance
Implementation Method 10
sanitize components of the fabric treatment appliance
Data Source
AI summary
A method and appliance for controlling a household washing machine for washing laundry includes receiving, in a user interface, a user-selected steam sanitize cycle, displaying, on the user interface, a first indicator, and executing, by the controller, the sanitize cycle, and displaying a sanitized indicator, for example, on the user interface.