Enhanced Button Design for Reliable Light Emission in Washing Machines
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Summary
Problems
The existing buttons in drum type washing machines suffer from reduced light emission due to light passing through a flat surface, making it difficult for users to detect the pressed state, and are prone to detachment due to non-uniform fixing, which degrades the appearance and functionality.
Innovation solutions
A button with an optical diffusion portion of a lattice structure at the pressing portion to enhance light transmittance, combined with an optical shielding member made of stainless steel for improved aesthetics and secure mounting using additional coupling means.
TRIZ Analysis
Specific contradictions:
General conflict description:
Principle concept:
If light passes through a flat button surface, then the button structure is simple, but the light emission amount is reduced making it difficult for users to detect the pressed state
Why choose this principle:
The button incorporates an optical diffusion portion with a lattice structure containing multiple cavities. This porous/lattice structure diffuses light passing through the button, increasing the light emission amount in the forward direction and making the pressed state more visible to users, while the lattice structure itself integrates into the button design rather than adding separate components.
Principle concept:
If the button is fixed to the fixing hook with simple means, then the installation is easy, but the button may be damaged or detached during use
Why choose this principle:
The button is divided into distinct functional portions: a pressing portion for user interaction, a mounting portion for secure attachment to the fixing hook, and a supporting portion connecting them. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, with the mounting portion designed to distribute fixing forces evenly and prevent detachment during use.
Application Domain
Data Source
AI summary:
A button with an optical diffusion portion of a lattice structure at the pressing portion to enhance light transmittance, combined with an optical shielding member made of stainless steel for improved aesthetics and secure mounting using additional coupling means.
Abstract
Disclosed are a button (120) for a control panel assembly (100) and a clothes handling apparatus having the same. In a control panel assembly (100) comprising a control panel having button holes (102) to mount a plurality of buttons (120) and a display window (101), at least one of the buttons (120) comprises a pressing portion (121) having an optical diffusion portion (125) for diffusing light occurring from a light source disposed at a back of the buttons (120); a mounting portion (122) for fixing the buttons (120) to a back of the control panel assembly (100); and a supporting portion (123) for connecting the pressing portion (121) and the mounting portion (122) to each other, and providing an elastic force to the pressing portion (121). According to this configuration, a larger amount of light occurring from the light source is emitted to a front of the buttons (120), and a user's convenience is enhanced.