Refrigerator Touchscreen Display With Flush Button-Free Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator display apparatuses rely on button-operated control units, which can be cumbersome and aesthetically unappealing, lacking the functionality of a touch screen interface for user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus for a refrigerator featuring a transparent touch screen that covers the control and display units, allowing user input through clicks and providing printed operation points and display units on the screen, enabling operation without physical buttons and serving as an exterior finishing member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a button-operated operation unit is used, then the control unit can receive user input, but the external appearance is compromised and user interaction becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-operated operation unit with a touch screen interface. The touch screen allows users to input commands by touching the display surface directly, eliminating the need for physical buttons. This substitution improves external appearance by providing a smooth, flush surface while enhancing ease of operation through intuitive touch interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch screen serves multiple functions: it displays information (replacing the display unit's visual output function) and accepts user input (replacing the operation unit's input function). By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent eliminates the need for separate buttons and maintains aesthetic appearance while improving usability.
2Ease of operation
If buttons are protruded from the control unit surface, then the operation unit can be operated, but the external appearance becomes less sleek and the surface is no longer flush
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces protruding mechanical buttons with a flat touch screen interface. Users interact by touching the display surface directly, which remains flush with the control unit housing. This eliminates the need for buttons to protrude, maintaining a sleek external appearance while preserving full operational functionality through touch input.
3Shape
If an exterior finishing member is added to cover the control unit, then external appearance is improved, but the display unit and buttons become obscured or require additional openings
Solution Approach 1:
The touch screen serves as both the display interface and the operation interface, eliminating the need for separate buttons that would require openings in the exterior finishing member. The touch screen itself can be integrated into the finishing member or replace it, providing a flush, aesthetically pleasing surface while maintaining full accessibility to both display information and control functions through the same touch interface.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a display apparatus (30) for a refrigerator which can be operated by using a touch screen (60). The display apparatus for the refrigerator includes a control unit (40) for controlling the refrigerator, a display unit (50) installed on the front surface of the control unit, for displaying information from the control unit, and a transparent touch screen (60) installed to cover the front surface of the display unit (50) and the front surface of the control unit (40), and electrically connected to the control unit, for applying a clicking input of the user to the control unit. The display unit (50) is externally shown through the transparent touch screen (60). A printed matter (70) is printed on the touch screen except the portion corresponding to the display unit.