Opaque PCB Barriers for Indicator Light Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In appliances with control panels featuring multiple indicator lights, unintended illumination of adjacent lights can occur, leading to aesthetically displeasing and confusing visual information for users.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an opaque material, such as solder or a plate, within the printed circuit board between adjacent indicator lights to optically separate them and prevent light bleed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If indicator lights are placed adjacent to each other on a control panel, then the control panel can provide comprehensive visual status information, but light from one indicator may unintentionally illuminate adjacent indicators causing visual confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is segmented into distinct optical zones using opaque partitions or barriers between adjacent indicator lights. These partitions divide the light paths, ensuring that light from one indicator remains confined to its designated area and cannot spill into adjacent indicator regions, thereby preventing visual confusion while maintaining comprehensive status display
Solution Approach 2:
Opaque materials or light-absorbing structures are introduced as intermediary elements between adjacent indicator lights. These intermediaries act as barriers that block and absorb stray light, preventing it from reaching adjacent indicators. The intermediaries are strategically positioned in the spaces between indicators to eliminate light bleed while preserving the overall compact layout
2Area of stationary object
If indicator lights are positioned close together to save space, then the control panel layout is compact, but optical interference between adjacent lights increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing horizontal spacing between indicators, the solution introduces vertical or depth-dimensional barriers within the control panel structure. Opaque partitions extend perpendicular to the indicator plane, creating three-dimensional light containment zones. This allows indicators to remain close in the horizontal plane while preventing optical interference through vertical light blocking
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel structure incorporates localized opaque regions with specific optical properties at strategic positions between indicators. These local modifications create micro-environments that control light propagation, allowing light to be contained within specific zones while maintaining overall panel compactness. The local quality changes are applied precisely where light interference occurs
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
Effectively prevents or minimizes unintended illumination of adjacent indicator lights, enhancing user interface clarity and aesthetics by isolating light from one indicator light from reaching adjacent unlit lights.
Implementation Method 1
An opaque material is disposed within the printed circuit board between adjacent indicator lights of the plurality of indicator lights. The adjacent indicator lights are optically separated by the opaque material.
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance includes a user interface assembly. The user interface assembly includes a plurality of indicator lights mounted on a printed circuit board. An opaque material is disposed within the printed circuit board between adjacent indicator lights of the plurality of indicator lights. The adjacent indicator lights are optically separated by the opaque material.