Dishwasher Gap Reflection Indicator for Closed-Door Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The visibility of an optical operation indicator on a fully integratable domestic appliance, such as a dishwasher, is obscured when the front door is closed, making it difficult for users to determine the operating status due to the placement of light conductors in gaps between the appliance and adjacent surfaces, especially when thick front panels are used.
Innovation Solution
A reflection element, such as a keder strip with a reflecting surface, is used in the gap between the appliance and adjacent surfaces to direct and bundle the light emitted by illumination elements, ensuring improved visibility of the operation indicator regardless of its arrangement, by redirecting and decoupling the light in a directional manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the front door is closed to achieve full integration with surrounding furniture, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the operation indicator becomes obscured and visibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redirects the light path from a direct front-facing orientation to a lateral orientation by directing light beams sideways through gaps between the appliance and adjacent surfaces. This dimensional change allows the operation indicator to remain visible while the front door remains closed, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic integration and indicator visibility.
2Illumination intensity
If light conductors are placed in gaps between the appliance and adjacent surfaces, then the operation indicator can be visible through the closed front door, but the light becomes difficult to see when thick front panels are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of light transmission by utilizing gaps between the appliance and adjacent surfaces rather than relying on light conductors positioned behind thick front panels. This parameter change in the light path configuration improves visibility while avoiding the complexity of adapting light conductor positions to varying panel thicknesses.
3Illumination intensity
If illumination elements are located in the lateral area of the appliance, then the operation indicator can be visible, but the gaps between the appliance and adjacent surfaces are only limitedly perceptible when gaps are very narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the gap between the appliance and adjacent surfaces as an intermediary medium to transmit light laterally. By positioning illumination elements to direct light through this gap, the system achieves visible operation indication while the gap itself serves as both the light transmission path and the visible indicator of appliance status.
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 enhances the visibility of the operation indicator, allowing users to easily determine the dishwasher's operating status without additional components, as the keder strip typically covers the gap between the appliance and adjacent surfaces, and can be secured using common methods like pasting or screwing.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection element for directing and/or bundling the radiated light emitted by the illumination elements
Data Source
AI summary
A domestic appliance includes an operation indicator having an illumination element for emitting a light beam by means of which a gap between the domestic appliance and a surface adjacent to the domestic appliance can be illuminated, and a reflection element in the gap for directing or bundling light emitted by the illumination element.