LED Console Assembly With Reflector-Guided Indicia Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home appliances with user-selectable features often have complex user interfaces that lack effective illumination, making it difficult for users to select and set parameters, particularly in environments where light transmissivity and controlled illumination are not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A console assembly with a light transmissive indicia assembly, a printed circuit assembly (PCA) having touch circuits and LEDs, and a light reflector that directs illumination through openings to provide clear and directional light for user interface elements, enhancing visibility and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LEDs are mounted on the PCA to illuminate the user interface, then illumination is provided, but the light is not effectively directed or transmitted through the indicia assembly
Solution Approach 1:
A light reflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the LED and the indicia assembly. The reflector has a reflective inner surface that receives light from the LED and directs it through openings in the PCA to illuminate the indicia assembly, effectively mediating the light transmission path and improving user interface visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The light reflector is positioned in a spatial relationship adjacent to the second side of the PCA, creating a three-dimensional light path configuration. This spatial arrangement allows light to be directed through openings in the PCA from the LED, utilizing dimensional positioning to achieve effective illumination through the indicia assembly
2Illumination intensity
If the console assembly provides illumination for user-selectable features, then user interface visibility is improved, but light transmissivity and controlled illumination are not adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The light reflector is configured with specific geometric properties and positioning adjacent to the PCA, creating localized light control zones. The reflective inner surface is positioned to direct light through specific openings in the PCA, providing controlled illumination at specific locations on the indicia assembly rather than uniform illumination across the entire console
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 controlled and directional illumination, improving user interaction with appliance interfaces by ensuring that light from LEDs is effectively reflected and transmitted through the indicia assembly, enhancing the selection and display of user-selectable parameters.
Implementation Method 1
a light reflector disposed adjacent to the second side of the PCA and the at least one LED, wherein light from the LED is reflected by the light reflector through the at least one opening of the PCA and through the indicia assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A console assembly for an appliance has a light transmissive indicia assembly having at least one indicator and one operator control, a printed circuit assembly (PCA) mounted to the indicia assembly with touch circuit and light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted to both sides of the PCA, and a light reflector disposed adjacent to the PCA and the LEDs.