Levels of Abstraction in Modern Washing Machine Design
Slide 1: Title Slide
From Concept to Implementation
Slide 2: System-Level Abstraction
At the highest level, designers consider the overall system.
Defines what the washing machine should do: wash clothes, rinse, spin, and provide user controls.
Focus is on functions and interactions with the user.
Slide 3: Functional Abstraction
Break down the system into major functions: washing, rinsing, spinning, water supply, and drainage.
Each function is described without detailing the components.
Focus is on what each part should achieve, not how it works.
Slide 4: Subsystem Abstraction
Identify subsystems that implement each function:
- Motor system for drum rotation
- Water inlet and drainage system
- Control electronics
Subsystems interact to fulfill functional requirements.
Slide 5: Component-Level Abstraction
Each subsystem is broken into components:
- Motor, belt, drum, sensors, valves, microcontroller.
Designers decide how components work together, e.g., motor spins drum according to control
signals.
Slide 6: Interface Abstraction
Define how components and subsystems communicate:
- Electrical signals between sensors and microcontroller
- Water valve activation commands
- User interface (buttons, display) interactions
Ensures compatibility and coordination.
Slide 7: Detailed Design Level
Focus on specific details:
- Motor specifications, PCB layout, sensor types
- Materials for drum, tub, and casing
- Software algorithms for wash cycles
This level prepares the system for manufacturing and assembly.
Slide 8: Implementation Level
Components are built and assembled according to detailed design.
Software is uploaded to the microcontroller.
System is tested to ensure it meets user requirements and functional goals.
Slide 9: Testing and Verification
Check each subsystem and the entire system:
- Does the drum spin correctly?
- Are water levels accurate?
- Are control commands functioning properly?
Ensures the washing machine works reliably and safely.
Slide 10: Conclusion
Modern washing machines are designed using multiple levels of abstraction to simplify complexity.
Each level focuses on different aspects, from overall system functions to detailed component
specifications.
This structured approach allows efficient design, development, and testing.
