Dishwasher Door Light Guide for Remote Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers lack effective status indication methods that are remote from the user interface, limiting user convenience and accessibility to operational status information.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light guide connected to a light source and a controller within the dishwasher door, which directs light to an exterior surface to indicate operational status, and an antenna for wireless communication of this status to a receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If status indicators are located on the user interface at the front or top of the door, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but user accessibility to status information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide acts as an intermediary component that transports light from the light source (located inside the door) to the exterior surface of the door. This allows status information to be displayed remotely at locations more accessible to users, such as the side or front of the door, without requiring the indicator components to be physically located at those positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide extends the status indication capability into a different spatial dimension by routing light through the door structure to reach exterior surfaces. This enables status display at multiple locations around the door (front, side, top) rather than being constrained to a single plane, improving user accessibility from various viewing angles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are located within the appliance for wireless communication, then wireless connectivity is achieved, but the appliance structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide serves multiple functions: it guides light for status indication and simultaneously provides a mounting surface for the antenna. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and structural complexity, as the light guide structure is utilized for both optical and wireless communication purposes rather than requiring separate dedicated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is integrated with the light guide structure, combining two separate components (light guide and antenna) into a single integrated assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate parts, simplifies installation, and decreases overall device complexity while maintaining both status indication and wireless communication capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If status indicators are placed remote from the user interface, then user convenience is improved, but the indicator system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide serves as a mediator that decouples the light source from the display location, allowing the status indicator to be placed remotely on the door exterior while the light source remains inside. This intermediary component enables remote status display without requiring complex wiring or power transmission mechanisms to the exterior.
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
Provides a user-friendly, remote status indication system that enhances user experience by visually communicating operational stages and allows wireless transmission of status information, improving accessibility and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide connecting the light source to the at least one exterior surface of the closure and defining a guide surface
Data Source
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AI summary
An appliance (1), such as a dishwasher (10), can include a tub (14) at least partially defining a treating chamber (16) with an access opening (18), a closure (19, 150, 350, 450, 550) moveable relative to the access opening (18) to selectively open and close the access opening (18) and having at least one exterior surface (152, 154, 155, 156, 355, 356, 454, 455, 456, 554, 555, 556), and a light source (23, 140) located within the closure (19, 150, 350, 450, 550). The appliance (1) can also include a controller (22) communicatively coupled to the light source (23, 140), and an antenna (180, 280, 480) communicatively coupled to the controller (22).