Laundry care device with a light module
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laundry care appliances, especially in poorly illuminated environments, users face challenges in effectively assigning laundry care substances to different compartments of the dispensing bowl due to limited visual differentiation.
Innovation Solution
A laundry care appliance with a dispensing bowl and a lighting module above the bowl compartments, featuring distinct light-emitting symbols that are activated based on the selected laundry care program, allowing users to visually identify which substances to add to each compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If no lighting module is installed, then the device structure remains simple, but users cannot effectively identify bowl compartments in poorly illuminated environments
Solution Approach 1:
A lighting module is introduced as an intermediary element between the control system and the user. The module receives control signals and translates them into visual light symbols above the bowl compartments, enabling users to identify which compartments to fill without directly exposing control wiring or complex electronics
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting module creates visual copies (light symbols) of the control information above each bowl compartment. Instead of displaying abstract control signals, the system projects illuminated symbols that replicate the meaning of the selected program, making it intuitive for users to understand which compartments require filling
2Loss of information
If multiple static indicators are always illuminated, then users can easily identify compartments, but energy consumption increases continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting module operates periodically rather than continuously. It receives control signals at specific intervals and illuminates symbols only when needed to indicate compartment assignments. The controller activates the lighting module based on program selection and operational state, turning it off during idle periods to conserve energy while maintaining information availability when required
3Device complexity
If the lighting module is integrated into the dispensing bowl frame, then the structure becomes compact, but the bowl compartments become harder to access
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting module is segmented as a separate, removable component from the dispensing bowl frame. This allows the bowl to be extracted independently for filling operations while the lighting module remains mounted on the frame. The segmented design enables easy access to the bowl compartments without requiring removal of the entire lighting assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting module is positioned in a different spatial dimension (above the bowl frame) rather than being integrated within the bowl structure itself. This vertical arrangement provides illumination and visual indicators without obstructing the horizontal access path to the bowl compartments, allowing users to reach the bowl easily from the front while lights illuminate from above
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 lighting module enables users to dynamically identify and assign the correct laundry care substances to their respective compartments, enhancing the effectiveness of filling the bowl compartments according to the selected program, even in low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the lighting module having a first light-emitting luminous symbol which is arranged above the first bowl compartment of the dispensing bowl, the luminous module having a second light-emitting symbol which differs from the first luminous symbol
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry care appliance (100) with a dispenser tray frame (109) which defines a tray receiving opening (111), a dispenser tray (107) for receiving laundry care substance, wherein the dispenser tray (107) has a first tray compartment (117, 117-1) and a second tray compartment (117, 117-2), and wherein the dispenser tray (107) can be inserted into the tray receiving opening (111), a program selection device (112) for selecting a laundry care program, and a control unit (114) for controlling the laundry care appliance (100).The laundry care appliance (100) has a light module (119) which is arranged above the tray receiving opening (111) on the detergent dispenser frame (109). The light module (119) has a first light-emitting symbol (123, 123-1) which is arranged above the first tray compartment (117, 117-1) of the detergent dispenser (107). The light module (119) also has a second light-emitting symbol (123, 123-2) which differs from the first symbol (123, 123-1) and is arranged above the second tray compartment (117, 117-2) of the detergent dispenser (107). The control unit (114) is configured to control the first and second symbols (123, 123-1, 123-2) depending on the selected laundry care program.