Household appliance and control panel assembly and touch module thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in household appliance touch control panels is the high discard rate and maintenance costs due to bubble formation during attachment of touch films on large, flat surfaces, and the need for simultaneous replacement of touch panels and films when damaged.
Innovation Solution
A control panel assembly featuring a touch module with a touch sensor group and a structural support frame, where one side of the touch sensor is adhered to the frame, allowing for adjustable size and hole provision to prevent bubble formation, and separate replacement of components to reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a touch film is attached to a large, flat touch panel surface, then the overall appearance of the control panel is improved, but bubbles are likely to form during attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control panel into separate components: the touch panel and the touch film are not permanently bonded together. Instead, the touch film is attached to a separate support frame, creating modular segments that can be independently handled and replaced without causing bubble formation issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the touch film from direct attachment to the touch panel surface. The touch film is removed from the problematic direct contact with the large flat panel, and repositioned on a support frame structure, eliminating the bubble formation issue while maintaining functionality
2Manufacturing precision
If a touch film is attached to a touch panel with high attachment precision requirements, then the appearance quality is improved, but the discard rate of touch films increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the control panel assembly by introducing a support frame with holes. This structural modification allows bubbles to be eliminated through the holes, converting a previously fatal defect into a manageable condition, thereby reducing discard rates and improving yield
3Reliability
If the touch panel and touch film are replaced together when damaged, then the reliability is maintained, but the maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control panel assembly into replaceable modules: the touch panel, the support frame, and the touch film are separate components. This segmentation allows selective replacement of only the damaged component rather than requiring replacement of the entire assembly, reducing maintenance costs while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of intact components. When one component fails, the other components remain functional and can be recovered for continued use or future replacements, reducing overall maintenance costs and waste
4Quantity of substance
If a smaller touch film is attached to a larger touch panel, then the cost of materials is reduced, but bubbles are more likely to form
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attachment system so that the touch film is attached to a support frame structure rather than directly spanning the entire touch panel area. This segmentation allows the use of smaller touch films while preventing bubble formation through the structural design of the support frame with integrated holes
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
This design reduces discard rates and maintenance costs by allowing easy elimination of bubbles and separate replacement of touch sensors and panels, enhancing touch sensitivity and overall cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic portion is fixed to the support portion, and the touch sensor is adhered to the elastic portion. Under the abutting of an external force, the elastic portion of the structural support frame deforms, to enable the touch sensor adhered to the elastic portion to be as close to the touch panel as possible
Data Source
AI summary
A household appliance, a control panel assembly and a touch module thereof are provided. The control panel assembly of the household appliance includes a touch panel and a touch module. The touch module includes a touch sensor group and a structural support frame. The touch sensor group includes one or more touch sensors. One side of the touch sensor is adhered to the structural support frame, and the touch module abuts against the touch panel, so that the other side of the touch sensor is attached to the touch panel. This provides a novel control panel assembly of a household appliance.