External Light Indicator Positioning for Integrated Appliance Fronts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing status indicator solutions for domestic appliances, especially those with fully integrated fronts, face challenges in readability due to dependence on surface characteristics and installation bases, making it difficult to provide clear status information without compromising the uniform design.
Innovation Solution
A combined internal and external light indicator system where the external indicator is placed below the front face of the appliance, allowing for a seamless, unbroken front design, using a three-colour electronically controlled light-diode unit that emits coded colour signals, which can be adjusted to adapt to different decorative part dimensions, and is designed to be intuitive and independent of surface characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an internal indicator element is integrated with the front panel, then the indicator is discreet and easy to read, but the front panel cannot be fully integrated and uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator device is extracted from the front panel and positioned below it, allowing the front panel to be fully integrated and uniform while the indicator remains visible and functional. This separates the aesthetic function of the front panel from the information display function.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator is moved from the vertical plane of the front panel to a position below it, utilizing the vertical space underneath the appliance. This dimensional relocation allows both the uniform front design and the visible indicator to coexist.
2Ease of manufacture
If an external indicator projects light onto the floor, then the indicator can be used with fully integrated fronts, but the readability depends on the projection surface characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
A reflective element is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the observer. This reflective element provides a controlled surface for light reflection, ensuring consistent readability regardless of the floor or base surface characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator uses different colored lights (red, yellow, green) to convey different status information. The colored light reflects off the reflective element to provide clear, distinguishable visual signals that are independent of the projection surface.
3Loss of information
If a light beam is reflected on a projection surface to display operating functions, then status information can be displayed externally, but the readability is dependent on surface characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective element serves as a mediator that provides a consistent, controlled reflection surface. This ensures that the light signals are reflected predictably, making the status information easy to interpret regardless of environmental surface variations.
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 status indication for domestic appliances with fully integrated designs, allowing for a uniform front appearance while providing necessary status information without relying on surface characteristics or installation bases, enhancing user experience and usability.
Implementation Method 1
an indicator device (16; 24) for a domestic appliance (1), wherein the indicator device (16; 24) comprises a light source (24)
Implementation Method 2
a reflective element (14) arranged to reflect the light signal from the light source (24)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Indicator device for indicating status in a domestic appliance in the form of a dishwasher, washing machine or drier, or alternatively a cooker, refrigerator/freezer, and arranged to treat household items in an inner chamber having an opening which can be closed off with a door. The said door consists of a basic part and a decorative part (12) fitted outside the basic part. The indicator device is an indicator unit (16), which is fitted to the outer side of the domestic appliance for external light indicator of the status of the appliance. The light indicator unit (16) is adjustably fitted to the bottom of the basic part of the door by means of a holder (23) below a bottom longitudinal edge (27) of the decorative part (12). The unit can be adjusted in a direction relative to the container of the appliance for adaptation to a chosen height position of the bottom edge of the decorative part.