Beverage Dispenser Selection Panel Homogeneous Label Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing devices suffer from non-homogeneous label illumination, leading to a cheap appearance and reduced readability due to 'spots' of light, which detract from the user experience.
Innovation Solution
A selection panel with a light source arranged outside the display zone contours and a reflector system that diffuses light evenly across the label, preventing direct illumination and creating a uniform, screen-like appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is arranged directly behind the product identification label, then the label is illuminated, but the illumination is non-homogeneous with visible light spots
Solution Approach 1:
A reflector means is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the label. The reflector has a specific geometry with a curved rear wall and lateral walls that redirect light from the source positioned outside the display zone to uniformly illuminate the label through the front window, eliminating direct light spots while achieving homogeneous illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source is repositioned from a one-dimensional position directly behind the label to a two-dimensional position outside the display zone contours. This spatial relocation, combined with the three-dimensional reflector structure, enables uniform light distribution across the label surface without direct illumination spots.
2Illumination intensity
If a light source is arranged directly behind the label, then the label is illuminated, but the appearance becomes cheap rather than high-quality
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector means acts as a mediating element that transforms the appearance of illumination. By positioning the light source outside the display zone and using the reflector to distribute light uniformly, the system creates a premium screen-like appearance rather than the cheap look associated with direct backlighting through paper labels.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a light source is arranged outside the display zone, then homogeneous illumination is achieved, but the light path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into distinct functional components: the light source positioned outside the display zone, the reflector means with specific geometric features (curved rear wall, lateral walls), and the front window with display zones. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while achieving overall homogeneous illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector means incorporates curved surfaces, specifically a rear wall with a curved profile, to redirect light from the external source uniformly across the display zone. This curvature enables broad light distribution without requiring complex multi-element optical systems.
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 homogenous light distribution, enhancing the appearance and readability of product information labels, giving the impression of a high-quality, uniformly illuminated screen.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector means (6) which is arranged with respect to the front window (2) such as to reflect light provided by a respective light source (5) towards a respective display zone (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to A selection panel (1) for a beverage dispensing device comprising a front window (2) having at least one display zone (3a) designed for displaying a product information label, at least one light source for illuminating the product information label arranged in the display zone (3a) of the front window (2), a reflector means (6) designed for reflecting the light emitted by the light source towards the display zone (3a) of the front window (2), wherein the light source is arranged outside of the contours of the respective display zone (3a).