Spa User Interface Panel with Extended Cover Glass Display Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interface panels for spas and whirlpool baths have relatively smaller display active areas compared to the plastic support region, limiting the effective use of the available space.
Innovation Solution
A user interface panel design that extends the cover glass layer to the perimeter of the panel housing, incorporating a touch-sensitive display layer supported above the tub wall, with a larger active display area achieved by using a waterproof gasket and a housing structure that allows the display to exceed the tub wall opening dimensions, and sealed with a liquid silicone elastomer to prevent moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the display active area is increased to enhance user interaction, then the user interface effectiveness is improved, but the panel structure becomes more complex and harder to seal against moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The display assembly is positioned in a recess of the panel housing, allowing the display to extend beyond the front surface of the tub wall while the bulk of the display structure is hidden within the panel depth. This dimensional arrangement enables a large visible display area without proportionally increasing the overall panel footprint or sealing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display assembly is nested within a recess formed in the panel housing, with the display layer positioned within the panel depth. This nesting approach allows the display to protrude slightly for visibility and touch interaction while the majority of the display structure is contained within the existing panel boundaries, simplifying the sealing requirement.
2Area of moving object
If the display assembly extends beyond the tub wall opening to maximize visible area, then the display visibility is improved, but the waterproof sealing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof gasket is pre-installed in the recess of the panel housing before the display assembly is positioned. This gasket creates a sealed barrier between the display assembly and the tub wall opening, preventing moisture ingress while allowing the display to extend beyond the wall surface for maximum visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A waterproof gasket serves as an intermediary element between the display assembly and the tub wall opening. This gasket provides the sealing function, allowing the display to extend beyond the wall while maintaining waterproof integrity through the intermediate sealing layer.
3Area of moving object
If the cover glass extends to the perimeter of the panel housing to maximize display area, then the active display area is increased, but the structural support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover glass is positioned within the recess of the panel housing rather than extending to the full perimeter of the panel. This dimensional arrangement allows the display area to be maximized within the available depth while the panel housing structure provides the necessary structural support from behind, reducing the strength requirements of the cover glass itself.
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
The solution provides a significantly larger active display area, exceeding 30% of the total panel area, while maintaining waterproof integrity and enhancing user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
sealed with a liquid silicone elastomer to prevent moisture ingress
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a touch-sensitive display layer adhered to the bottom surface of cover glass layer
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment of a user interface display panel includes a top or cover glass layer which extends to the perimeter of the panel housing. A touch-sensitive display layer is adhered to the bottom surface of cover glass layer to form a touch sensitive display assembly. In exemplary embodiments, the arrangement results in an active touch-sensitive display area significantly larger than display areas provided in the past by interface panels.