Illuminated Knob Assembly Using Light Guide for Position Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control knob assemblies on cooking appliances do not effectively use light to communicate the movement or position of the control knobs, limiting their ability to provide indicia through light emission.
Innovation Solution
A knob assembly with a light guide that includes both opaque and translucent regions, where a light source positioned below the surface emits light that is received by the guide, allowing the control knob to be rotated between positions that either block or allow light to pass through, indicating different operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a light source is installed below air intake openings to communicate conditions to the user, then illumination is provided to indicate operational status, but the light cannot communicate rotation or position of the control knob
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the control knob aperture. The light guide includes opaque and translucent regions that act as a mediator to control light transmission, enabling position indication without requiring complex mechanical linkages or additional sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide is designed with spatially varying optical properties - opaque regions block light while translucent regions allow light transmission. This local differentiation of material properties enables the system to communicate multiple states (off, partially on, fully on) through a single unified structure rather than requiring multiple separate components.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional knobs are used without integrated lighting, then manufacturing is simpler, but the knobs cannot provide visual indicia regarding movement or position
Solution Approach 1:
The control knob assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the control knob itself, the light guide with opaque and translucent regions, and the light source. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using conventional processes, then assembled together, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while adding position indication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide utilizes composite optical structures combining opaque and translucent regions within a single component. This allows the system to function as both a structural element and an optical signaling device, providing position indication without requiring multiple separate parts that would complicate manufacturing.
3Loss of information
If light is used to indicate control knob position, then user communication is enhanced, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide serves multiple functions simultaneously: it structures the aperture opening, provides optical signaling through opaque and translucent regions, and integrates with the control knob rotation mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components that would otherwise be required to achieve each function individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting indication function is merged with the existing control knob structure. The light guide is integrated into the aperture assembly, and the control knob rotates in conjunction with the light guide rather than as a separate mechanism. This merging reduces overall device complexity by combining functions into unified components.
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
Enables the use of light to indicate the movement and position of the control knob, enhancing user communication and operational control by clearly signaling the 'off', 'partially on', and 'fully on' positions through varying light illumination.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide positioned at the aperture, wherein the light guide may define a guide opening and may further include an opaque region and a translucent region
Data Source
AI summary
A knob assembly includes a light guide and a control knob that is independently rotatable relative to the light guide. The light guide is positioned at an aperture formed on a surface such that the light guide receives light emitted by a light source positioned below the surface along a vertical direction. The light guide also defines a guide opening, and further includes an opaque and translucent region. The control knob defines a light opening and is rotatably coupled to a stem extending through the guide opening. The control knob is rotatable between a first and second position. In the first position, the light opening is positioned entirely over the opaque region of the light guide along the vertical direction. In the second position, the light opening is positioned entirely over the translucent region of the light guide along the vertical direction. A related cooktop appliance is provided.