Color-Changing Backlight for Fluid Dispenser Temperature Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid delivery devices lack an effective visual indicator for water temperature, relying on static displays that do not dynamically reflect changing water temperatures, which can confuse users.
Innovation Solution
A display unit with a variable backlight system that adjusts color in response to water temperature, utilizing a temperature sensor, controller, and bi-color LEDs to change the backlighting from blue for cold water to a combination of blue and red, and eventually red for hot water, providing a gradient of colors to indicate temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a static display is used to indicate water temperature, then the device complexity is reduced, but the information provided to users is insufficient and confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes in the backlight to indicate different water temperature ranges. The backlight transitions through different colors (e.g., blue for cold, green for warm, red for hot) based on temperature sensor feedback, providing intuitive temperature information without complex displays. This resolves the contradiction by delivering rich temperature information through simple color variation rather than complex numerical displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the backlight intensity and color parameters dynamically based on water temperature. Rather than displaying static information, the system modulates the backlight parameters (color temperature, brightness) to reflect real-time temperature conditions, providing continuous temperature feedback through a simple display mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a dynamic color-changing backlight system is implemented, then temperature visualization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature display range is segmented into distinct zones (cold, warm, hot) each represented by specific color ranges. The controller divides the temperature scale into segments and activates corresponding color segments, making the system manageable despite its dynamic nature. This segmentation approach maintains ease of operation by presenting clear, discrete temperature categories rather than continuous complex variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback from temperature sensors to the backlight control system. The temperature sensor continuously monitors water temperature and provides feedback to the controller, which automatically adjusts the backlight color and intensity accordingly. This closed-loop feedback eliminates the need for manual intervention, maintaining simple user interaction while enabling sophisticated dynamic display behavior.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used to create color gradients, then temperature indication accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (e.g., blue and red LEDs) to create intermediate colors through additive mixing. Rather than requiring separate LEDs for every possible color, the system merges a limited set of primary light sources to generate the full temperature-indicating color spectrum. This merging approach improves temperature indication precision while maintaining manufacturing simplicity by reducing the total number of unique components needed.
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 clear, intuitive visual cue for water temperature, allowing users to easily differentiate between cold and hot water without altering the display screen's symbol color, enhancing user experience and safety by providing a dynamic and informative visual feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, and a second light source electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The first and second light sources define backlighting for the display screen
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor for detecting temperature of the output water, a controller electrically coupled to the temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A display unit for a fluid delivery device which outputs water includes a printed circuit board, a diffuser supported by the printed circuit board, and a display screen electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The display unit further includes a first light source electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, and a second light source electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The first and second light sources define backlighting for the display screen. Operation of the first and second light sources is adjusted in response to a change in temperature of the output water of the fluid delivery device.