Status indicator and lighting assembly for an appliance door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing appliance door handle assemblies with status indicators require complex manufacturing and additional wiring, as light sources are typically positioned remotely from the handle assembly, leading to inefficient illumination and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A handle assembly design where a status indicator is positioned between the pocket handle and the handle frame, ensuring that light is not directed into the pocket recess, with a lighting assembly mounted on the inner door to simplify manufacturing and improve illumination by directing light out of the door front.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources are positioned remotely from the handle assembly on the front panel, then status indicators can be visible to users, but additional wiring and manufacturing complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the status indicator and light source into the handle assembly itself, eliminating the need for separate remote positioning on the front panel. The light source is integrated directly within the handle assembly structure, merging multiple functions (status indication and illumination) into a single integrated component, thereby reducing wiring requirements and manufacturing complexity while maintaining visibility for users
2Loss of information
If light sources are positioned to illuminate status indicators, then user information is provided, but light may be directed into the pocket recess causing unwanted illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the light source and status indicator such that illumination is directed specifically toward the front surface where users can see it, while the pocket recess remains in a different spatial zone that does not receive direct light. The handle frame and pocket handle create a geometric arrangement where light travels in a controlled path that illuminates only the intended area, eliminating unwanted illumination in the pocket recess while maintaining effective status information delivery
3Ease of operation
If additional holes and wiring are added for remote light sources, then status indicators can be positioned on the front panel, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the status indicator and light source into the handle assembly, eliminating the need for separate mounting locations on the front panel. This integration removes the requirement for additional holes and wiring harnesses, as the light source connects directly to the appliance's control system through the existing handle assembly wiring path, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining user visibility of status indicators
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
This design simplifies the assembly process, reduces manufacturing complexity, and provides improved illumination of status indicators without the need for additional wiring, enhancing user experience and appliance functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a status indicator is positioned between the pocket handle and the handle frame such that light transmitted through the status indicator is not directed into the pocket recess
Data Source
AI summary
A handle assembly for an appliance door includes a handle frame mounted over a handle aperture defined in the appliance door. The handle frame defines a pocket recess for receiving a pocket handle. The pocket handle is spaced apart from the handle frame to define an illumination gap which receives a status indicator, such as a light pipe, which may transmit light without directing that light into the pocket recess.