Electric device, arrangement of such an electric device having a shutter and method for producing an arrangement of this type

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fully integrated kitchen appliances, such as dishwashers and refrigerators, face challenges in providing a clear and visually appealing illuminated display on their doors, as projection-based solutions can be difficult to see from a distance and look unappealing when inactive.

Innovation Solution

A display device with illuminated elements, such as LEDs and light guides, is integrated into the door, protruding into a recess in the panel, allowing the display to shine through a translucent cover, ensuring visibility and a seamless appearance when active, while being concealed when inactive.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a projection device is used to display information on the floor, then the display can be provided on the appliance, but the display is difficult to see from a distance and is not clearly visible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay visibilityVSAvoiddisplay detectability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is moved from projecting onto the floor (2D surface) to being integrated into the door panel itself (3D structure with recess), allowing the display to be positioned at an optimal viewing distance and angle, thereby improving visibility and detectability from a distance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the display device is integrated into the door, then the display is always visible, but the aesthetic integrity of the panel is compromised when inactive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay accessibilityVSAvoidpanel appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is nested within a recess in the door panel, allowing it to be concealed when inactive and only become visible when illuminated, thus maintaining panel aesthetics while ensuring display accessibility when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The panel area containing the display changes from opaque (when display is off) to translucent (when display is illuminated), creating a visual transformation that maintains aesthetic integrity in inactive state while providing visibility when active

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Shape

If a recess is made in the panel for the display device, then the display can be integrated seamlessly, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel integrationVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct steps: creating the recess in the panel, mounting the display device separately, and then integrating it into the panel, which simplifies each individual step while achieving seamless integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 clear, bright, and visually appealing illuminated display that is easily recognizable, even when the appliance is not in operation, without compromising the aesthetic integrity of the appliance's front panel.

Implementation Method 1

A display device is arranged on the door, which has or forms an illuminated display... light-conducting bodies or light guides... the illuminated display shines through the cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight conduction: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentEP3287063B1Electric device, arrangement of such an electric device having a shutter and method for producing an arrangement of this type
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 E G O ELEKTRO GERAETEBAU GMBH
  • EP3287063B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3287063B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An electrical appliance in the form of a dishwasher (11) or a refrigerator for installation in a kitchen (1) has an essentially full-surface door (13) for opening on a front side and a panel (30) to be attached to the front of this door over the entire surface. A display device (17) with an illuminated display (18) is arranged on the door (13), at least part of the display device protruding beyond the front side of the door (13). A recess (32) corresponding to the protruding part of the display device (17) is provided in the bezel (30) so that this part is located therein. A film (40) is then glued over the entire surface of the door as a lamination, the film being translucent in such a way that the illuminated display (18) shines through it when activated and can be seen.