Transparent Door Display for Distance Viewing in Household Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current household appliances with display units, such as washing machines and cooking appliances, often require users to be near the device to view operation status information due to the limited visibility of LCDs when they are not directly in front of the appliance.
Innovation Solution
A transparent or semi-transparent display unit is integrated into the door or window of the appliance, utilizing a transparent LCD with a polarizer and light source, allowing users to monitor both the interior and operation status from a distance through a glass or similar transparent material, with data exchange facilitated by mechanical or wireless connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a standard LCD display is used on the control panel, then the display unit can show operation status information, but the information cannot be easily viewed when the user is at a distance from the appliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a transparent LCD display that utilizes optical properties and light interaction to enable distance viewing. The display material changes its optical characteristics to allow users to read information from afar while maintaining visibility of the appliance interior through the transparent panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The display information is projected or extended from the traditional control panel plane to a larger spatial dimension by utilizing the transparent window surface, allowing users to view operation status from a distance without being confined to the immediate vicinity of the control panel.
2Device complexity
If the display unit is positioned on the control panel, then it can be integrated with control keys, but the display size is limited and cannot be viewed from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display unit with the transparent window or door panel of the appliance, combining the functions of viewing the interior and displaying operation status information on a single integrated transparent surface, thereby expanding display area without adding separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the appliance door or window for viewing the interior, provides a background for control elements, and displays operation status information, thereby maximizing the utility of a single structural element.
3Illumination intensity
If a transparent LCD is used to allow light passage, then the interior can be viewed through the display, but the display visibility at distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes transparent LCD technology that can modulate optical parameters such as transparency and light reflection to display information clearly at a distance while maintaining the ability to view through the display when needed, dynamically adjusting optical properties based on operational requirements.
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
Enables users to easily view operation status and interior conditions of the appliance from a distance, enhancing usability and aesthetic appeal without the need to be near the appliance, while maintaining visibility of the interior.
Implementation Method 1
employment of transparent or semi-transparent LCDs which partially or fully allow light to pass through
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a transparent LCD with a polarizer and light source
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a household appliance (1) comprising a display unit (6) installed thereon.