Control Panel Receptacle Light Guide Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices for household electrical appliances often require additional openings in the control panel for optical displays, which can complicate their construction and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
The use of a receptacle with light-conducting material that guides light from the posterior end to light apertures on the control panel, eliminating the need for extra openings and allowing for customizable lighting and display options through segmented light-conducting and non-light-conducting sections, which can be manufactured using two-component injection molding or assembled from individual parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If additional openings are provided in the control panel for optical display purposes, then the optical display capability is improved, but the device complexity and construction difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical display function with the existing receptacle structure by integrating a light guide into the receptacle. The light guide is positioned to utilize the same opening where the control element is mounted, thereby merging the display function with the control element housing without requiring additional openings in the control panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is designed to serve multiple functions: housing the control element, providing structural support, and guiding light for optical display. The light guide integrated into the receptacle allows the same structural component to fulfill both mechanical and optical functions, eliminating the need for separate display openings.
2Illumination intensity
If the receptacle is made from light-conducting material to guide light, then the optical display function is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is manufactured as a composite structure combining light-conducting material (such as transparent or translucent plastic) with non-light-conducting material (such as opaque plastic or metal). This composite construction allows the receptacle to guide light effectively while maintaining structural integrity and being manufacturable using standard injection molding or assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Only specific portions of the receptacle are made from light-conducting material, specifically the regions where light guidance is needed. Other portions can be made from non-light-conducting materials to provide structural support or aesthetic appearance. This localized application of light-conducting properties reduces manufacturing complexity compared to making the entire receptacle from special material.
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 solution simplifies the construction of the operating device, enhances its optical display capabilities, and provides a more stable and aesthetically pleasing design by integrating lighting within the receptacle, reducing the need for additional openings and allowing for various lighting configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the receptacle has light-conducting and/or light-transmitting material in the form of a light guide, and can therefore guide light
Data Source
AI summary
An operating device for an electrical appliance with a control panel has a control element for operation through rotary actuation arranged in the control panel, said control element being disposed and mounted in a receptacle behind the control panel. The receptacle has light-conducting and/or light transmitting material in the manner of a light guide, and is illuminated through an LED at a posterior end facing away from the control panel and with light apertures provided at another anterior end on the control panel around the control element extending forwardly beyond the control panel.