Dishwasher Door Gap Lighting for Hidden Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Free-standing dishwashers are more susceptible to tilting moments compared to fully integrated or built-under models, requiring the front device feet to be positioned further forward, which can make the operating indicators less aesthetically pleasing and more prone to being hidden from view, and existing solutions for built-in dishwashers often illuminate gaps between the dishwasher and adjacent furniture, compromising aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a lighting element that illuminates the gap between the appliance door's bottom edge and the base paneling's top wall, allowing the light to be directed outward while keeping the light-emitting element out of sight, using a reflector design on the base paneling to enhance light yield, and positioning the lighting element behind the appliance door or on a stationary component to maintain visibility without additional front installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the lighting element is arranged on the front of the appliance door to provide clear visibility, then the operating indicators are clearly visible, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised and the lighting element is exposed to view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflector as an intermediary component between the lighting element and the external environment. The reflector redirects light from the lighting element (positioned behind the door) through the movement gap to the front, allowing the lighting element to remain hidden while still providing clear visibility of operating indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the lighting element in a different spatial dimension (behind the appliance door rather than on the front surface) and uses the movement gap as a light transmission channel. This dimensional repositioning allows the lighting element to be out of sight while still illuminating the front area through the gap.
2Shape
If the lighting element is positioned behind the appliance door to maintain aesthetics, then the design is improved, but the power supply becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the lighting element movable by coupling it to the appliance door, allowing it to move together with the door during opening/closing operations. This dynamic positioning maintains the lighting element's hidden position behind the door while simplifying power supply, as the lighting element can share the door's power connection without requiring additional flexible cables.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the front device feet are positioned further forward to prevent tipping, then stability is improved, but the operating indicators become less visible and less aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lighting element from the front area (where it would be visible but compromise aesthetics) and positions it behind the appliance door. The lighting function is separated from the visible front surface, allowing the front device feet to be positioned further forward for stability without affecting indicator visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement gap serves as an intermediary light transmission channel, allowing light from the hidden lighting element to reach the front area. This enables the lighting element to be positioned behind the door (maintaining aesthetics and allowing forward foot positioning) while still providing clear visibility of operating indicators.
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 clearly visible illuminated display for the dishwasher's operating states without compromising the appliance's design, ensuring the lighting element is hidden from view while maintaining reliability and ease of power supply, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and operational visibility of free-standing, integrated, or drawer dishwashers.
Implementation Method 1
at least one lighting element with which the movement gap between the bottom edge of the appliance door and the top wall of the base paneling can be illuminated
Implementation Method 2
using a reflector design on the base paneling to enhance light yield
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular a free-standing dishwasher or a high-level built-in dishwasher, having an appliance door (1) and at the bottom a plinth cover (19) aligned substantially flush with an appliance front face (28). The plinth cover has a top wall (20), which faces towards a lower edge (25) of the appliance door (1) and is spaced from the lower edge (25) of the appliance door (1) to allow for an opening movement of the appliance door (1) across a free movement gap (23). According to the invention the dishwasher has at least one lighting element (29), with which the movement gap (23) between the lower edge (25) of the appliance door (1) and the top wall (20) of the plinth cover (19) can be illuminated.