Household appliance panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliance panel devices lack effective operability and tactile differentiation between display and operating areas, leading to suboptimal user experience.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a household appliance panel device with transparent panel elements arranged in different depth levels, allowing for distinct front surfaces that enhance tactile differentiation and operability, along with a third cover element for simplified assembly and optical highlighting, and an adhesive film for easy mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the first front surface of the first panel element and the second front surface of the second panel element are arranged in a common depth plane, then the panel device has a simple structure, but the tactile differentiation between display and operating areas is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a two-dimensional common depth plane arrangement to a three-dimensional arrangement where the first panel element protrudes forward relative to the second panel element. This creates distinct depth levels that provide tactile differentiation between display areas (first panel) and operating areas (second panel), resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the first panel element is made transparent, then the display elements behind it are visible, but the differentiation between display and operating areas becomes less distinct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the first panel element transparent while keeping the second panel element opaque or differently finished. This creates distinct visual and tactile qualities in different areas: the transparent first panel area identifies display zones, while the opaque second panel area identifies operating zones, enhancing area differentiation without compromising material functionality.
3Ease of operation
If multiple panel elements are arranged at different depth levels, then tactile differentiation is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the panel device into multiple independent panel elements (first panel element, second panel element, third panel element) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. The first panel element is arranged to protrude forward relative to the second panel element, creating tactile differentiation while allowing each segment to be produced and assembled independently, managing complexity through modular construction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is based on a household appliance panel device with a carrier unit (10) and with at least one first transparent panel element (14) which is arranged on the carrier unit (10) and forms a first front surface (12) and at least one second panel element ( 14), in its lower edge region (16) adjoining the screen element (20) forming a second front surface (18). In order to provide a generic device with improved properties in terms of operability, it is proposed that the first front surface (12) of the first screen element (14) and the second front surface (18) of the second screen element (20) be at least partially in different depth levels (22, 24 ) are arranged.