Rotary Control Knob with Fluorescent Sub-Area for Appliance Readability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic appliances lack ease of use and readability in their operating processes, particularly in terms of illuminating control panels, leading to difficulties in operating modes and temperature settings.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fluorescent sub-area with UV light-emitting diodes that emit light at an angle to the radial direction of a rotatably mounted operating means, allowing for comfortable operability and clear readability, along with a non-transparent front side and an insert that allows the beam path to pass essentially unchanged, enhancing the design's functionality and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a lighting means is integrated into a rotatably mounted operating means to illuminate control panel digits, then the readability of operating information is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and mounting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting means is integrated directly into the operating means, combining two separate functions (illumination and operation control) into a single component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the ability to illuminate control panel digits for improved readability
Solution Approach 2:
The operating means serves multiple functions: it acts as both a control element and a lighting carrier. By making the operating means universal (capable of both operation and illumination), the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated lighting components, thereby reducing device complexity while improving readability
2Illumination intensity
If the lighting means emits light perpendicular to the panel surface, then the illumination is maximized, but light deflection occurs when the operating means is rotated, reducing readability
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting means is positioned asymmetrically within the operating means, specifically offset from the rotational axis. This asymmetric arrangement creates a conical light emission pattern that maintains consistent illumination of the operating symbols regardless of the rotation angle, eliminating light deflection issues while preserving maximum illumination intensity
3Use of energy by moving object
If a transparent insert is used in the operating means to allow light passage, then the lighting efficiency is improved, but the structural strength and protection of internal components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed with localized transparency only in the specific region where light passage is required, while other portions maintain structural integrity. This local quality approach allows the insert to be transparent where needed for lighting efficiency while remaining opaque or reinforced in areas requiring structural strength and component protection
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 provides improved ease of use and readability by ensuring that operating symbols are easily illuminated without light deflection, achieving high contrast and clear operability while maintaining a simple and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
A 'fluorescent' sub-area is to be understood in particular as a sub-area with particles which each have at least one electron which can be excited by electromagnetic waves and in particular by UV light from a first quantum mechanical state into at least one high-energy quantum mechanical state
Implementation Method 2
An ultraviolet light-emitting diode is arranged in a receiving area of the actuating means, which, when the device is in operation, radiates numbers that are printed on a control panel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a household appliance device with at least one control unit (10) which emits light during at least one operating process. To achieve convenient operation, it is proposed that the control unit (10) has at least one fluorescent section (12).