Appliance UI Diffuser Disc for Continuous LED Status Patterns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stand-alone ice making appliances face challenges in providing a user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing interface, as multiple light sources can be difficult to interpret, especially from a distance, and may lack visual fluidity, while digital displays increase cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A user interface featuring a light projector with discrete segmented LEDs and a translucent diffuser disc creates a visually continuous pattern on the appliance's surface, controlled by a controller to convey information effectively and intuitively, without the need for individual light source identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple individual light sources are used to convey information, then information can be displayed, but it becomes difficult to interpret the meaning of individual light sources especially from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments information into multiple discrete light sources that can be independently controlled, while using a diffuser to blend them into a continuous visual pattern. This allows information to be conveyed through different patterns (colors, intensities, sequences) of light without requiring users to identify individual light source positions.
Solution Approach 2:
A diffuser is introduced as an intermediary element between the discrete light sources and the user's view. The diffuser blends the individual light emissions into a visually continuous pattern, eliminating the need for users to locate and interpret individual light sources while preserving the information-carrying patterns.
2Loss of information
If multiple light sources are used to generate patterns, then information can be conveyed, but the displayed light pattern lacks visual fluidity and aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting element is segmented into multiple discrete LEDs arranged in a specific pattern, allowing independent control of each segment to create various visual patterns while maintaining overall visual continuity through the diffuser.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser acts as a mediator that transforms the discrete segmented light emissions into a visually continuous and fluid pattern, hiding the individual light source locations while preserving the intended visual pattern and information.
3Shape
If a digital display screen is provided to increase visual fluidity, then visual continuity is improved, but cost and complexity greatly increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex digital display screen, the system uses a simplified approach with discrete LEDs and a diffuser that copies the visual fluidity effect of a digital display at much lower cost and complexity, achieving similar visual continuity through optical diffusion rather than pixel-based display technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive digital display technology with inexpensive discrete LEDs and a simple diffuser component, achieving the desired visual effect at a fraction of the cost while maintaining the essential function of visual information display.
4Shape
If digital display screens are used, then visual fluidity increases, but the display must be separated from the input selector, obscuring feedback and input
Solution Approach 1:
The discrete LED light sources are integrated directly into the user interface assembly, allowing the visual display and input controls to occupy the same physical space. The diffuser blends the light emissions while maintaining proximity to controls, enabling unified user interaction without spatial separation.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective and visually appealing interface that enhances user interaction by displaying information through continuous patterns, improving usability and reducing aesthetic drawbacks associated with multiple light sources.
Implementation Method 1
The diffuser disc may include a continuous outer surface aligned with the light projector to display the one or more discrete light emissions as a visually continuous pattern
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance and method of operation is provided. The appliance may include an outer casing, a user interface, and a controller. The outer casing may define an enclosed volume. The user interface may be mounted to the outer casing to include a light projector and a translucent diffuser disc. The light projector may be positioned within the enclosed volume and include a plurality of discrete segmented light emitting diodes to each selectively emit one or more discrete light emissions. The translucent diffuser disc may be positioned between the light projector and the outer casing. The diffuser disc may include a continuous outer surface aligned with the light projector to display the one or more discrete light emissions as a visually continuous pattern. The controller may be operably connected with the light projector and configured to determine the visually continuous pattern displayed at the continuous outer surface.