Shower Control Panel with Transparent Touch Display and Static Buttons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower control systems lack an integrated and intuitive interface for controlling various shower components, such as temperature, water flow, lighting, and audio, which can be cumbersome and require multiple mechanical controls.
Innovation Solution
A touch-sensitive control panel with a transparent electronic display and opaque static buttons, featuring independent backlighting for buttons and a light guide to enhance visibility, allowing users to control shower outlets, temperature, and other features through a graphical user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch-sensitive panel with transparent display and static buttons is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display function and button input function into a single integrated control panel. The transparent touch-sensitive panel allows the electronic display to be visible while enabling touch input, combining information presentation and user interaction in one component rather than separate mechanical controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays information through the electronic display, receives touch inputs through the transparent panel, and provides tactile feedback through the static buttons with optical apertures. This multi-functional integration improves ease of operation while consolidating control elements.
2Illumination intensity
If independent backlighting for buttons and light guide are added, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide acts as an intermediary element that efficiently distributes light from the backlight to the static buttons. By using a dedicated light guide structure, the system achieves uniform and intense illumination across all buttons while minimizing energy waste through optimized light transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The backlighting system provides localized illumination specifically where needed - behind the static buttons and display area. This targeted approach ensures high illumination intensity in the control interface region while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption in other parts of the shower system.
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
Provides an intuitive and powerful control experience, enabling seamless adjustment of shower settings, including temperature and water flow, while maintaining a user-friendly interface that integrates with various shower subsystems.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide may include a discrete light guide element for each of the static buttons
Data Source
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AI summary
A shower control system includes a controller in communication with a plurality of output devices (121,122,123,124,125,126,127,128,129) located within a shower enclosure. The controller is configured to control the plurality of output devices /(121-129). The shower control system further includes a control panel (160), in communication with the controller and configured to provide a graphical user interface for controlling the plurality of output devices. The control panel (160) includes an electronic display (161) configured to present dynamic content, one or more static buttons (162), and a touch-sensitive panel (163) overlaying both the electronic display and the one or more static buttons. The touch-sensitive panel is configured to detect a user interaction with both the one or more static buttons and the dynamic content presented via the electronic display.