Household appliance comprising a window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances, particularly ovens, face challenges in effectively illuminating the treatment space from the viewing pane without significant loss of light or complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A viewing pane with an inwardly reflecting coating and a light-scattering light extraction area, produced through laser engraving, is used to edge-illuminate the treatment space, allowing light to be scattered and reflected back into the space for efficient illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a transparent viewing pane is used to allow viewing into the treatment space, then visibility is improved, but illumination effectiveness deteriorates due to light loss
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing pane is segmented into distinct functional zones: a transparent viewing area for visibility and a light extraction area with scattering structures for illumination. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, reducing overall light loss while maintaining visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the viewing pane are given different optical properties. The viewing area maintains high transparency, while the light extraction area incorporates light scattering structures and reflective coatings to maximize illumination efficiency in specific localized zones.
2Illumination intensity
If light scattering structures are added to the viewing pane to improve illumination, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light scattering structures, reflective coatings, and viewing pane are merged into a single integrated component. The viewing pane incorporates both viewing and illumination functions through integrated light extraction areas, eliminating the need for separate illumination devices and reducing manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewing pane itself serves dual functions: providing visibility through its transparent areas and providing illumination through its integrated light extraction areas with scattering structures. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional separate illumination components.
3Loss of energy
If an inwardly reflecting coating is applied to the viewing pane to reduce light loss, then light efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inwardly reflecting coating is applied specifically to the light extraction area and merged with the viewing pane manufacturing process. This targeted coating approach integrates the light reflection function into the existing pane structure without requiring separate coating processes for the entire pane.
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
This solution provides effective and cost-efficient illumination of the treatment space with minimal light loss, offering design flexibility and durability, while maintaining a clear view through the pane.
Implementation Method 1
a light-scattering light extraction area
Implementation Method 2
at least one inwardly reflecting coating on a side facing away from the treatment room
Implementation Method 3
edge-illuminated household appliance viewing pane
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The viewing window (6) is provided for a treatment chamber (3) of a household appliance (1), wherein the viewing window (6) is an edge-illuminated viewing window (6) and has at least one light-diffusing light emission area (11, 18, 19). A household appliance (1) is equipped with a treatment chamber (3) and at least one viewing window (6; 26) for covering the treatment chamber (3). The household appliance (1) may in particular be a cooking appliance, especially one with an oven.