Hidden Interface Panel for Personal Care Appliances
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hidden interface panels for personal care appliances like toothbrushes are complex and costly to manufacture, while obscured panels do not fully conceal mode indications when the appliance is off.
Innovation Solution
A translucent handle with a user interface panel featuring a light-blocking first layer and a second layer with etched mode indicia, illuminated by LEDs within the handle, which becomes visible only when the appliance is on, using a baffle structure to confine light and maintain a simple, inexpensive design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a hidden interface panel is implemented to provide a blank appearance when the appliance is off, then the aesthetic appeal and user experience are improved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to requiring multiple different parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the panel structure with the handle by making the handle translucent and integrating illuminating elements directly within it. The interface panel layers are applied directly to the handle surface, eliminating the need for separate panel housings or mounting structures. This consolidation reduces the number of parts while achieving the hidden panel effect through the combination of translucent handle material, light-blocking first layer, etched indicia, and illuminating elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as a translucent housing for the illuminating elements, and serves as the substrate for the interface panel layers. The illuminating elements simultaneously provide illumination for the indicia and contribute to the overall aesthetic design. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated components for each function.
2Loss of information
If existing hidden panel designs are used to achieve complete concealment of mode indications when off, then the aesthetic appeal is improved, but the manufacturing time and cost increase due to complex multi-part structures
Solution Approach 1:
The interface panel is segmented into distinct functional layers: a light-blocking first layer applied to the handle, etched regions creating the mode indicia, and a second layer covering the etched regions. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured and prepared separately, then applied in sequence, simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to creating complex three-dimensional hidden panel structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical hidden panel structures with a light-based system. Instead of using movable flaps, removable covers, or complex mechanical concealment mechanisms, the invention uses a translucent handle with light-blocking layers and illuminating elements. The concealment effect is achieved optically - when lights are off, the translucent handle appears opaque and hides the panel; when lights are on, they illuminate the indicia through the handle.
3Ease of manufacture
If obscured panels are used where indicia remain partially visible when off, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the aesthetic appeal and true hidden effect are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The first layer is applied with selective light-blocking properties - it blocks light in most areas to maintain concealment, but has etched regions where light can pass through to illuminate the indicia. The second layer is applied over the etched regions to provide the visible indicia when illuminated. This local differentiation of material properties allows the panel to achieve complete concealment when off while remaining easy to manufacture using standard coating and etching processes.
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 a true hidden interface panel that is cost-effective and easy to manufacture, ensuring the panel is blank when off and clearly indicates the selected mode when on, enhancing user experience and aesthetics without additional complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first layer characterized by blocking light from proceeding therethrough
Implementation Method 2
the handle is translucent and includes a plurality of illuminating elements therein
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A power toothbrush appliance (10) which includes a user interface assembly (24) having a hidden interface panel (26) and a method of making same, the appliance including a handle (12, 40) and a brushhead assembly (18) with a brush member (24) for cleaning teeth. The user interface assembly is structured so that when the appliance is in the off condition, the user interface panel is blank, and when the appliance is in an on condition, the indicia associated with the selected operating mode of the toothbrush is illuminated and visible to the user. The interface panel includes a first paint layer of gray or black paint (42) on a translucent handle (40). The mode indicia are etched (44) to the handle in the first paint layer. A second paint layer of white paint (46) is applied over the first layer and is light-transmitting so that when the toothbrush is on, the selected indicia are visible to the user.