Handle-Integrated Projected Display for Dishwasher Status Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances, such as dishwashers, face challenges in displaying their operating status when the door is closed, especially in low-noise models, where the operator cannot determine if a program has ended without opening the door, and previous solutions like light guide means are affected by floor covering optical properties, reducing visibility.
Innovation Solution
A fully integrated household appliance with display means in the handle, allowing light projection onto the door, ensuring maximum visibility and aesthetic preservation, using electrical or optical connections through the handle to connect the control unit to display elements like LEDs or laser diodes, which can project symbols or colors to indicate the operating status, and optionally include sensor switches and acoustic warnings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If display means are arranged in the handle, then visibility of operating status is improved, but aesthetic appearance may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the door surface as an intermediary medium to project the light display. The display means in the handle projects light onto the door, which then serves as the visible display surface. This mediator approach allows the display functionality to be distributed - the light source is in the handle but the visual output is on the door surface, resolving the conflict between handle integration and aesthetic appearance.
2Loss of information
If light is projected onto the floor, then operating status can be displayed, but visibility depends on floor covering optical properties
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of projecting light onto the floor (external surface), the patent inverts the approach by projecting light onto the door (the appliance's own surface). This inversion ensures that the display surface is controlled and owned by the appliance itself, not dependent on external environmental factors like floor covering properties.
3Loss of information
If display means are placed on the front side, then operating status is visible, but aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the display function from a two-dimensional surface mounting (front panel) to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. The display means are embedded within the handle structure, utilizing the handle's volume and internal space. This dimensional transition allows the display components to be hidden within the handle while still providing visible output on the door surface.
4Loss of information
If door is opened to check status, then operating status can be determined, but program operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary information transmission channel - the light projection display - that conveys operating status information without requiring physical access to the appliance interior. The door remains closed (maintaining program operation) while the light display on the door surface provides all necessary status information, eliminating the need to open the door.
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
Ensures reliable visibility of the operating status projection regardless of environmental conditions, maintains aesthetic appeal, and prevents accidental door opening during operation by integrating display means within the handle, enhancing user interaction and safety.
Implementation Method 1
display means for displaying the operating status by means of light projection
Implementation Method 2
light guide means are provided for forwarding the light signal
Implementation Method 3
display means is connected to a control unit of the household appliance by means of an electrical line running in sections through the handle
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a household appliance, in particular a household appliance that supplies water, with display devices (26) for indicating the operating state by means of light projection and a door (2) with a handle (4). The invention is characterized in that the display devices (26) are arranged on the handle (4). A further part of the invention is a display device (26) for a household appliance according to the invention.