Washing Machine Detergent Drawer Display Layout for Better Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing machines with detergent dispensing devices have display and operation elements that are uncomfortable to use during operation, requiring users to bend or kneel to read displays, and the illuminated signs on detergent trays are not visible when the machine is in use.

Innovation Solution

Display elements and operating elements are arranged on the upper side of the handle plate, allowing users to operate and view settings from a comfortable position, while a progress indicator on the front side of the handle plate provides better visibility during operation, with light-emitting diodes or a rotating ring indicator strip for program progress monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If illuminated signs are placed on the detergent tray behind the handle panel, then they can indicate filling requirements, but they cannot be seen when the washing machine is in operation and the detergent tray is pushed in

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay visibilityVSAvoidmonitoring convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display elements are extracted from the detergent tray assembly and relocated to the handle plate, which remains accessible during machine operation. This separation ensures that program parameter displays and progress indicators remain visible to users throughout the washing cycle, not just during loading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If display elements are arranged on the upper side of the handle plate, then they are visible from a comfortable position, but the narrow upper surface provides limited space for all necessary elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing comfortVSAvoidavailable display space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The handle plate surface is segmented into functional zones: program parameter selection elements are positioned at one end, display elements are arranged in a row in the middle, and progress indicators are placed at the other end. This zoned segmentation optimizes the limited upper surface area by strategically distributing different control and display functions across the available space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables comfortable operation and monitoring of washing machine parameters without bending, maintaining reasonable manufacturing costs and ensuring display elements are always in view, even during operation.

Implementation Method 1

illuminated or are light-emitting diodes that are assigned to such signal images and are arranged on the upper side of the handle plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2726664B1Program-controlled domestic washing machine
Publication Date: 2016.03.23 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2726664B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2726664B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a program-controlled domestic washing machine comprising a detergent flushing device. In order to store individual doses of detergent, the detergent flushing device has a detergent dispenser compartment which can be moved out of the housing front (2) by means of a grip plate (5) and which comprises chambers for the individual doses, and the detergent flushing device has display elements (9) on the upper face (7) of a detergent flushing device part (5). The operation and display concept of such a washing machine allows the user to operate the washing machine as well as to read and perceive the display elements (9) from a comfortable position during the operation of the washing machine and keeps the production costs within acceptable limits in that the display elements (9) display typical signal images (10) of program parameters and can be illuminated or are light-emitting diodes that correspond to such signal images (10). Furthermore, the display elements (9) are arranged on the upper face (7) of the grip plate (5).