Dishwasher Edge-Lit Status Display Through Cabinet Gap Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fully integrated dishwashers with non-transparent front panels face challenges in conveying operating status information to users, as traditional signal lights are either obscured by worktops or require installation close to the floor, making it difficult for users to discern operational status when the door is closed.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating signal lights behind the front panel, positioned at a vertical front edge with a window, emitting light horizontally and obliquely to create a gap between the panel and adjacent furniture, allowing diffuse scattering and improved visibility of the light, even when the door is closed, using multicolored LEDs or light guides for dynamic patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If signal lights are installed close to the floor to illuminate the floor in front of the device, then the floor area is illuminated, but the device must be installed close to the floor which limits installation flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The signal light is positioned at a vertical front edge of the door and emits light obliquely outward at an angle of 30° to 60° relative to the front panel, rather than downward close to the floor. This angular redirection allows the light to escape through a gap between the front panel and adjacent furniture, illuminating the gap and creating a visible signal without requiring the device to be installed close to the floor.
2Loss of information
If a light guide is used to guide the signal light towards the front over the front door, then the signal light becomes visible, but the signal light may be difficult to see if the worktop protrudes
Solution Approach 1:
The signal light is positioned specifically at a vertical front edge of the door, and the front panel is designed with a specific gap relationship to adjacent furniture. The light is directed obliquely to exploit this local gap space, ensuring visibility without being blocked by protruding worktops.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap between the front panel and adjacent furniture serves as an intermediary space through which the obliquely directed light escapes and becomes visible. This gap acts as a transmission channel that bypasses the obstruction problem caused by protruding worktops.
3Loss of information
If the main direction of emission of the signal lights runs parallel to the front panel, then the signal is visible when the front door is closed, but the light does not effectively illuminate the gap between the panel and adjacent furniture
Solution Approach 1:
The solution combines direct light emission from the signal light with diffuse reflection from the gap surfaces. The obliquely directed light illuminates the gap, and the reflected light from the gap surfaces provides the visible signal, creating a composite illumination effect that achieves both gap illumination and signal visibility.
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 clear and intuitive display of operating status information to users, enhancing usability and visibility without compromising the appliance's design, applicable to both dishwashers and other household appliances like refrigerators.
Implementation Method 1
The signal light 6 is constructed in such a way that it emits most of the light in a main emission direction 9. The main emission direction 9 runs horizontally and obliquely to the front side of the front panel 5.
Implementation Method 2
At least part of the light hits the surface 12 of the device or piece of furniture 11 which is adjacent to the gap 10. From there, the light is preferably diffusely scattered, so that it is visible to the user even when the front door 3 is closed.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The device has a front door (3) covered by a front panel (5) and at least one signal light (6) for illuminating a surface adjacent to the appliance, whereby the signal light is configured to produce a signal that is visible to the user when the front door is closed. The signal light is configured for the illumination of at least part of a gap to the side of the front panel. An independent claim is also included for a combination of a domestic appliance and the adjacent furniture item.