Illuminated Control Knob Assembly for Operational Status Indication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control knobs on devices lack effective illumination systems to indicate their operational status, which can lead to user confusion and safety issues, especially in devices like gas cooktops where precise control is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A knob assembly that integrates a light assembly with a light source and diffuser, connected to a power source through a light socket and receptacle, providing visible illumination when the knob is rotated, thus indicating the operational status of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a light assembly is integrated into the control knob, then visual feedback on operational status is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light assembly (including light source, housing, and diffuser) directly with the control knob assembly, merging the illumination function into the existing control interface. This integration provides operational status indication while maintaining a unified structure rather than adding separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control knob assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: mechanical control of the device operation and visual indication of operational status through the integrated light assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate indication mechanisms.
2Illumination intensity
If a light source and diffuser are added to the control knob, then illumination intensity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light assembly is divided into separate components (light source, light housing, diffuser) that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific manufacturing process while simplifying the overall production workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source is positioned within the light housing, which in turn is integrated with the control knob assembly. This nested arrangement allows compact packaging of multiple components without increasing the overall footprint, simplifying assembly and manufacturing.
3Reliability
If electrical connectors are integrated into the knob assembly, then reliability of power supply is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connectors (power connector prong and light connector prong) are integrated directly into the knob assembly structure, merging the electrical connection function with the mechanical control interface. This ensures reliable power supply while maintaining a unified assembly rather than using separate wiring harnesses.
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 enhances user safety and clarity by providing visual feedback on the operational status of the control knobs, ensuring users can accurately control devices like gas cooktops, reducing the risk of errors and improving usability.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is mounted to the light housing. Light from the light source is transmitted through the light diffuser when the knob is rotated to control operation of the device
Data Source
AI summary
A knob assembly includes a knob, a light assembly, a light socket, and a receptacle. The light assembly includes a light diffuser, a light source, and a light connector prong. Light from the light source is transmitted through the light diffuser. The light connector prong is electrically connected to the light source to provide power to the light source when the knob is rotated. The light socket includes a socket housing, a light connector aperture wall, an electrical connector aperture wall, and an internal conductor. The light connector prong is mounted within the light connector aperture wall. A power connector prong connectable to a power source is mounted within the electrical connector aperture wall. The connector housing of the receptacle is configured to house the light socket. The light connector prong is inserted into the light connector aperture wall through a first wall of the device.