A washing machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washing machines have complex manipulation interfaces that make it difficult for users to control operations such as washing, rinsing, and spin-drying, leading to potential damage to laundry and reduced readability of operation information.

Innovation Solution

A washing machine with a simple and convenient manipulation interface featuring a speech recognition module, a single input interface for starting/stopping operations, and an indicator using symbol and graph lighting to intuitively display operation information, including operating time, allowing for neat and easy operation control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional washing machine is provided with multiple manipulation interfaces to control detailed operations, then the control functionality is comprehensive, but the manipulation interface becomes complicated and difficult for users to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidmanipulation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button-based manipulation interface with a voice recognition system. Users can control washing machine operations through speech commands instead of physically manipulating multiple buttons and interfaces, thereby maintaining comprehensive control functionality while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The voice recognition module serves as a universal control interface that can handle multiple different operations (washing, rinsing, spin-drying, temperature control, intensity control) through a single unified system, eliminating the need for separate manipulation interfaces for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional washing machine uses a complicated manipulation interface, then detailed operation control is possible, but the indicator readability is reduced and information recognition becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation control capabilityVSAvoidindicator readability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses color-coded indicators (blue, yellow, red sections) to represent different operation states and time progress. This visual color-coding system makes it easy for users to quickly understand the current operation status and remaining time without having to interpret complex text or numerical displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The indicator is divided into multiple sections (blue section, yellow section, red section) that represent different time phases or operation stages. This segmentation allows users to intuitively grasp the progress and status of each operation phase at a glance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple manipulation interfaces are installed on the washing machine, then comprehensive control is achieved, but the installation area appears cluttered and unneat

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidappearance neatness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the manipulation functions from the physical button interfaces and relocates them to a voice recognition module. This removes multiple physical controls from the washing machine exterior, maintaining comprehensive control functionality while creating a clean, neat appearance without cluttered buttons and switches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3767022A1A washing machine
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3767022A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3767022A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3767022A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a washing machine. The washing machine includes an operation manipulation interface configured to control starting or stopping of an operation of the washing machine by a touch input of a user and provided as one button or a touch panel, an operation manipulation interface configured to recognize speech of the user using a speech recognition system and control components related to the operation of the washing machine based on the recognized speech of the user, an indicator including a character indicator configured to indicate a washing operation, a rinsing operation, and a spin-drying operation, respectively, and a graph indicator configured to indicate a running time or remaining time of the operation of the washing machine, and a power control configured to turn the power of the washing machine on or off by a touch input of the user.