Dishwasher Gap Reflector for Visible Operating Status Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household dishwashers face challenges in displaying their operating status clearly due to the front panel covering the operating indicators, especially when the door is closed, leading to poor visibility of the signal light, especially in thick panel designs and varying lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reflection element, such as a welt, in the gap between the dishwasher and adjacent surfaces to direct and bundle light radiation from illumination elements, improving the signaling effect independently of their arrangement, and using reflective surfaces to enhance visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the front panel is made thick to improve structural strength and integration, then the structural strength and aesthetic integration are improved, but the visibility of the operating display is worsened because the light guide is additionally covered from below
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is extended in the vertical dimension to protrude beyond the front panel thickness, allowing light to escape from the front surface rather than being blocked by the panel. This dimensional extension resolves the contradiction by maintaining thick panel construction while enabling display visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A reflective element is introduced as an intermediary between the light guide and the external environment. This reflector redirects light that would otherwise be trapped or absorbed, enhancing the visibility of the operating display without requiring changes to the front panel thickness or structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light guide is made displaceable relative to the optical operation indicator to adapt to cover element thickness, then the adaptability to different panel thicknesses is improved, but the visibility of the operating display is impaired because the coupled out light differs depending on position
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into fixed and adjustable components. The light guide remains fixed relative to the front panel, while the reflective element can be positioned and oriented to optimize light redirection. This segmentation maintains consistent light coupling while enabling adaptability through reflector positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the position of the light guide, the system changes the orientation and position parameters of the reflective element. This allows adaptation to different installation conditions while maintaining optimal light coupling between the light guide and the reflective surface, ensuring consistent display visibility.
3Ease of operation
If the illumination elements are arranged in the side surface to illuminate gaps, then the ease of operation and user guidance are improved, but the visibility is limited under unfavorable lighting conditions and viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system transitions from horizontal gap illumination to vertical front surface illumination. By extending the light guide vertically beyond the front panel and using a front-facing reflective element, the display becomes visible from the front regardless of gap illumination conditions, resolving the viewing angle and lighting condition limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective element serves as a mediator that redirects light toward the user's viewing direction. This ensures that the operating display remains visible under various lighting conditions and viewing angles by actively directing light toward the observer rather than relying on passive gap illumination.
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 significantly enhances the visibility of the operating status display by ensuring that light is directed and decoupled effectively from the gap, making it easier to read the display regardless of the installation location or angle, even under unfavorable lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection element is provided in the gap for directing and/or bundling the light radiation emitted by the illumination elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The gap (7) between the front (3) of a built-in domestic appliance and the front (4) of a neighboring unit has a sealing strip (8) with a reflecting surface (11). This surface can reflect the light from a source (2) or serve to focus and augment it. The light can come from a direct source along the front edge or door; alternatively it can be transmitted through a light guide from the side (5) of the appliance. Different colors can be used to indicate different functions.