Indication apparatus, air hygiene apparatus, and household appliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing household appliance indication systems lack a compact and effective solution for providing clear, interference-free illumination with multiple indication modes and ranges, often resulting in inefficient light distribution and increased complexity.

Innovation Solution

The proposed indication apparatus features a panel with integrated optical assembly, including a circuit substrate, light emitting elements, a light guide sheet, and a carrying frame, which allows for precise light guidance and reduction of interference between light emitting elements, enabling compact and efficient indication with distinct illumination ranges without additional light blocking members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light emitting elements are integrated on the same circuit substrate to form different indication modes and ranges, then the indication functionality and versatility are improved, but light interference between different light emitting elements occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindication functionalityVSAvoidlight interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a light guide sheet as an intermediary component between the light emitting elements and the panel. This light guide sheet receives light from multiple light emitting elements and guides it to specific light outlet portions, effectively mediating the light distribution and preventing direct interference between different light sources while maintaining versatile indication functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If additional light blocking members are used to prevent light interference between light emitting elements, then light interference is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight interferenceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light guiding function and the light blocking function into a single integrated light guide sheet structure. This component simultaneously directs light from multiple emitting elements to their respective outlets while blocking stray light, eliminating the need for separate light blocking members and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If the light guide sheet position is not accurately determined, then manufacturing and assembly become easier, but the indication precision and light distribution accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidlight guide sheet positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary positioning features directly on the circuit substrate, including positioning protrusions that correspond to positioning grooves on the light guide sheet. This preliminary action ensures accurate positioning is established before final assembly, making the subsequent assembly process easier while maintaining high positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution provides a compact and effective indication system with reduced light interference, enabling clear and efficient illumination for various household appliances, including air hygiene apparatuses, by accurately positioning light guide sheets and emitting elements, enhancing user visibility and appliance functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a light guide sheet, configured to receive light of the second light emitting element and to guide the light to the second light outlet portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight guidance: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 2

the carrying frame is opaque, and configured to stop light of the first light emitting element from entering the second light outlet portion and to stop the light of the second light emitting element from entering the first light outlet portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4056912B1Indication apparatus, air hygiene apparatus, and household appliance
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4056912B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4056912B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4056912B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure relates to an indication apparatus, an air hygiene apparatus, and a household appliance. The indication apparatus includes a panel (2) and an optical assembly (3) located at an inner side of the panel, the panel having a first light outlet portion (21) and a second light outlet portion (22). The optical assembly (3) includes a circuit substrate (4), at least one first light emitting element (5) and at least one second light emitting element (6) integrated on the circuit substrate (4), and a light guide sheet (7). The first light emitting element (5) correspond to the first light outlet portion (21). The light guide sheet (7) is configured to receive light of the second light emitting element (6) and to guide the light to the second light outlet portion (22). The light guide sheet (7) is carried on a carrying frame (8), the carrying frame (8) being fixed on the circuit substrate (4).