Washing Machine Control Panel Housing for Clearer Mode Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing washing machine control panels suffer from light scattering and poor assembly efficiency due to the arrangement of numerous components, leading to compromised display quality and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A control panel design featuring a circuit board housing with a light guide and angled sidewalls to direct light forward, supported by a fire-retardant plastic housing, and a main control unit that secures the circuit board, reducing light scattering and simplifying assembly by integrating components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a great number of members are arranged in front of the light emitting elements and switches, then the control panel can provide comprehensive functionality, but light scattering occurs resulting in deterioration of display quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light guide member and button support member into a single integrated component that performs both functions simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the number of separate members arranged in front of the light emitting elements, thereby minimizing light scattering while maintaining comprehensive control panel functionality through the multi-functional integrated structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a great number of members are arranged in front of the light emitting elements and switches, then the control panel can provide comprehensive functionality, but the assembly process becomes complicated and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate members (light guide member and button support member) into a single integrated component. This merging reduces the number of parts that need to be assembled, simplifies the assembly process, and lowers production costs while preserving all necessary control panel functions within the integrated structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If insulating material is coated on the front surface of the circuit board to prevent heat transfer, then fire protection is provided, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fire protection function into the circuit board housing itself by using fire-retardant plastic material, rather than requiring a separate insulating coating layer. This eliminates the need for additional coating steps and assembly operations, reducing assembly process complexity while maintaining effective fire protection capabilities.
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
Enhances display quality, improves button operation, and reduces production costs through simplified assembly and reduced component count, while providing fire protection without the need for additional insulating coatings.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide member to guide light forward from the light emitting elements
Implementation Method 2
An insulating material, such as urethane, etc., is coated on the front surface of the circuit board to prevent transfer of heat when fire occurs on the circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
A washing machine including a main body and a control panel mounted to the main body. The control panel includes a control panel frame assembled to the main body, a circuit board housing coupled to a rear side of the control panel frame and having an open rear side, and a circuit board accommodated in the circuit board housing. The circuit board is inserted into the circuit board housing through the open rear side of the circuit board housing such that a front surface thereof, on which light emitting elements to display operational modes of the washing machine are mounted, faces an inner wall surface of a front wall portion of the circuit board housing.