Integrated Knob Screen for Appliance Panel Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances with rotary knobs and separate screens occupy excessive panel space and require users to monitor the screen while moving the knob, making operation cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical knob with an integrated screen allows users to select and view program parameters and operation settings without moving from the panel, featuring a ring-shaped outer sheath that surrounds the screen, enabling easy reading and selection by moving the sheath, with a stationary body for clear information display and an inner sheath for data transfer to the circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the screen and knob are disposed at different sections of the panel, then the information display function is achieved, but the panel space utilization is reduced and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the screen and knob into a single integrated unit. The screen is disposed on the front surface of the knob, merging the display function and operation control into one component. This allows users to view information and operate controls at the same location, eliminating the need to move between separate screen and knob sections on the panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the surface area of the knob in a different dimension by placing the screen on the front surface of the knob rather than on the panel background. This dimensional repositioning allows the display to be integrated with the control element itself, improving both space utilization and operational ease.
2Loss of information
If the screen and knob occupy separate spaces on the panel, then the display function is achieved, but the panel area utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The screen and knob are merged into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate spaces on the panel. The knob serves dual purposes as both a control element and a display medium, thereby maximizing panel area utilization while maintaining full information display capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The knob is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a rotary control for program selection and simultaneously as a display medium for showing program parameters and operation information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate display components, optimizing panel space usage.
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 panel space utilization, provides an aesthetic appearance, and simplifies the selection process by allowing users to view and select information on the knob without looking elsewhere, improving usability and esthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed on the outer sheath and providing the selection of the program parameters by passing over the steps with the movement of the outer sheath
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an household appliance (1) comprising a panel (2), at least one opening (3) arranged on the panel (2), at least one knob (4) disposed on the opening (3) and providing the selection of various program parameters by being moved and at least one circuit board (5) disposed behind the panel (2).