Clothes processing machine and control panel component thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control panels in clothes processing machines are not effectively designed to withstand high humidity environments, leading to potential electronic failure due to water vapor condensation and dust accumulation, which affects the stability and functionality of smart home control modules.
Innovation Solution
A control panel component with a protection cover and seal members that house the electronic member, featuring a ventilation slot for pressure balance and a simplified design with clamping means and elastic fixation of light guide members, ensuring protection from water and dust while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protection cover is added to seal the electronic member, then protection from water vapor and dust is improved, but the risk of water vapor condensation and pressure buildup inside the sealed space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a protection cover that forms a sealed enclosure around the electronic member using flexible sealing elements. This flexible sealing approach allows the cover to maintain protection while accommodating pressure changes and preventing rigid structural failures that could compromise the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ventilation slot as an intermediary element between the sealed protection cover and the external environment. This slot mediates the pressure balance by allowing controlled air exchange, preventing harmful pressure buildup and condensation while maintaining the overall sealed protection against water vapor and dust.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a ventilation slot is added to balance pressure inside the protection cover, then water vapor discharge is improved, but the risk of external water vapor entering the confined space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation slot is designed with dimensions and positioning that leverage the protection cover's sealing properties. The slot's small cross-sectional area (0.8-1.0 mm²) and strategic location allow it to function as a controlled breathing mechanism that prioritizes outward vapor discharge while minimizing inward contaminant entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a differentiated sealing strategy: the majority of the protection cover interface uses robust sealing elements for complete protection, while the specific localized area of the ventilation slot uses a smaller, controlled opening that balances ventilation needs with protection requirements.
3Reliability
If multiple seal members are added to ensure complete sealing, then protection effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing function into two distinct components: a first seal member positioned between the protection cover and panel body for primary sealing, and a second seal member positioned at the circuit port opening for secondary sealing. This segmentation allows each seal to be optimized for its specific location and function, achieving comprehensive protection without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing sealing at only the critical interfaces where protection is most needed: the main protection cover interface and the circuit port opening. Rather than sealing every possible surface, the design focuses sealing resources on the most vulnerable points, achieving effective protection with minimal seal members.
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 stable and durable control panel that prevents electronic failure by maintaining a sealed environment, balancing humidity, and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first seal member is disposed between the protection cover and the panel body. Due to a sealing effect of the protection cover, the electronic member is not affected by water vapor and foreign matters in the air
Implementation Method 2
a second seal member is disposed on an edge of the opening, and the second seal member is pressed tightly on a circuit board around the protection cover and the circuit port
Implementation Method 3
the ventilation slot is provided in the panel body, so that the increased water vapor inside the confined space may be discharged through the ventilation slot, to balance pressure inside and outside the confined space
Implementation Method 4
the protection cover and the circuit board both release a specific amount of water vapor to balance the original relative humidity, resulting in that absolute humidity of the air inside the confined space increases
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A control panel component of a clothes processing machine, including a panel body (2) and an electronic member (4) mounted on a back of the panel body (2), where a protection cover (10) is fixedly mounted on the panel body (2), and the electronic member (4) is accommodated between the panel body (2) and the protection cover (10), where a first seal member (12) is disposed between the protection cover (10) and the panel body (2). Due to a sealing effect of the protection cover (10), the electronic member (4) is not affected by water vapor and foreign matters in the air and has more stable performance. A clothes processing machine including a control panel component is further disclosed.