Home Appliance Panel Color Control Using Integrated Lighting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home appliances, such as refrigerators, require replacement of the entire decoration panel to change their outer appearance, which is inconvenient and does not allow for user customization to reflect personal taste.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to change the color and theme of appliance panels through a user interface on a touch screen display, using a lighting device to emit light and control the color and brightness, enabling dynamic effects and user-selected colors and themes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire decoration panel is replaced to change the outer appearance, then the color and theme can be changed, but the operation becomes inconvenient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the panel into multiple independently controllable regions, each capable of displaying different colors or themes. This segmentation allows users to customize different parts of the panel separately without replacing the entire panel, resolving the contradiction between appearance adaptability and operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the panel by controlling the lighting device to emit light of different colors and intensities. This allows the panel's appearance to be dynamically adjusted through parameter changes rather than physical replacement, enabling easy customization while maintaining operational convenience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire decoration panel is replaced to change the outer appearance, then the color and theme can be changed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single panel structure: the panel serves as both the structural component and the display medium. The lighting device and control unit are integrated with the panel, allowing it to perform both structural and visual customization functions, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining appearance adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that manages the lighting device and panel interaction. This centralized control mechanism simplifies the system architecture by coordinating all appearance changes through a single interface, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from multiple independent customization systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lighting device controls the panel color dynamically, then user taste can be reflected, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or on-demand lighting activation rather than continuous operation. The lighting device can be activated only when color or theme changes are required, or operated in periodic cycles, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining the ability to dynamically customize panel appearance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the lighting device that adjusts its operation based on user interaction patterns and environmental conditions. The system can transition between active customization mode and energy-saving standby mode, optimizing the balance between appearance adaptability and energy consumption through dynamic operational adjustments.
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
Enables users to intuitively and conveniently select colors and themes for their appliance panels, enhancing aesthetic satisfaction and allowing for personalized appearances without replacing the entire panel.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting device for emitting light
Implementation Method 2
configured to receive light emitted by the lighting device and to shine by transmitting therethrough the received light
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for changing color of a panel and a home appliance and the method for changing color of a panel includes providing graphic objects and color control buttons corresponding to a plurality of panels of the home appliance; receiving selected color information; and controlling a lighting device to make the panel shine according to received color information.