Transparent Integral Wall Display for Domestic Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Domestic appliances with integrated displays face challenges in achieving a compact, ergonomically desirable, and aesthetically appealing design due to the disruption of the housing surface caused by separate display components, which lead to increased dimensions and a pronounced presence of the display, compromising both manufacturability and design integrity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a transparent or translucent integral wall portion within the housing that serves as both a mask and diffuser for the display, allowing light to be diffused on the outer surface without disrupting the curvature or continuity of the appliance's design, thereby integrating the display seamlessly into the appliance's structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a separate display component is mounted into or onto the housing, then the display function is achieved, but the uniformity and integrity of the housing surface is disturbed and the dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display means with the housing by making the wall portion itself transparent or translucent, eliminating the need for separate display components. The housing wall serves dual purposes: structural integrity and display function, thereby maintaining surface uniformity while achieving display capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent or translucent wall portion performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the housing structure, the display medium, and the light diffusion surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional display components and maintains the aesthetic integrity of the housing.
2Ease of manufacture
If a separate display component is mounted into or onto the housing, then the display function is achieved, but the dimensions of the appliance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display means is merged with the housing structure by utilizing the wall portion as the display medium. This integration eliminates the need for separate display components and their associated mounting spaces, thereby reducing the overall volume of the appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall portion serves multiple functions including structural support and display function. By making the existing housing wall multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional display components that would increase the appliance's volume.
3Shape
If the wall portion is made transparent or translucent for the display, then the display function is achieved without disrupting surface uniformity, but the structural integrity or manufacturing complexity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter of the housing wall by making it transparent or translucent. This parameter change allows the wall to function as a display medium while maintaining its structural integrity. The translucency can be achieved through material selection or manufacturing process modifications that do not fundamentally alter the housing manufacturing approach.
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 enables a compact and aesthetically pleasing design by eliminating the need for separate display components, maintaining the integrity and uniformity of the appliance's surface, and creating an illusion of information floating on the surface, enhancing the product's appearance and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a diffuser for diffusing light emitted by the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A domestic appliance (1) includes a housing or wall (6) and a wall portion (8). The portion is an integral part of the housing (6). The appliance has a display means (2) comprising a light source (10), a mask (2) and a diffuser (4). The housing (6) may be smoothly shaped to obtain an appealing design. A separate or standardized display may be perceived as a disruption of a smooth design of the appliance. To incorporate the display means (20) into the design the integral wall portion (8) is transparent and positioned between the diffuser (4) and the mask (2). An inner face of the wall portion (8) is directed to the mask (2). An outer face of the wall portion (8) is directed to the diffuser (4). A diffusing layer (32) included in the diffuser (4) is provided on the outer face of the integral wall portion (8).