Washing Machine Status Lighting for Multi-Angle Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing and/or drying machines lack a visual status indication system that is integrated and visible from multiple angles, including aerial views, and cannot vary light intensity and color over a wide range to effectively communicate operating statuses without increasing the machine's volume or altering its design.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting device, such as an RGB LED, integrated into the upper, side, and front panels with a protective cover, allowing visibility from all angles and synchronized control for various operating statuses, along with an electronic control board for adjusting color, gradation, and intermittency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light emitting device is integrated in the home appliance, then the visual status indication is provided, but the device is not visible from aerial view and cannot vary light intensity and color
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting device is repositioned from the front panel to the upper panel of the washing machine, changing its spatial dimension. This allows the light to be visible from aerial views while maintaining front visibility, resolving the contradiction between visibility from multiple angles and the ability to vary light characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can vary light intensity, change color to indicate different operating statuses, and remain visible from multiple angles (front and aerial views). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single device adaptable to diverse requirements.
2Loss of information
If multiple light emitting devices are added to provide comprehensive status indication, then the visual information is improved, but the device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single light emitting device is designed to convey multiple types of status information by varying its light intensity and color, replacing what would otherwise require multiple separate indicator devices. This reduces device complexity while maintaining comprehensive visual status indication.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting device uses changes in light parameters (intensity and color wavelength) to encode different operating statuses. By modulating these parameters, a single device can provide rich visual information that would traditionally require multiple discrete indicators, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the light emitting device is placed on the front panel, then it is visible from front view, but it is not visible from aerial view and side views
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting device is relocated from the front panel to the upper panel, utilizing the vertical dimension of the washing machine. This positional change in another dimension enables visibility from aerial views while maintaining accessibility for front view observation, thereby expanding the visibility coverage area without compromising ease of operation.
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
Facilitates easy recognition of machine statuses by users and enables centralized monitoring and record-keeping of machine activities, enhancing operational efficiency and user experience in laundromats.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element, such as an RGB LED emitter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing and/or drying machine with status indication and a control system for controlling a group of washing and/or drying machines, said fabric washing and/or drying machine comprising a casing (10) defining a front panel (11), an upper panel (12), two side panels (13), and a rear panel, and containing a compartment (15) for treating fabrics accessible through an opening of the casing provided with a door (16); and a light emitting element (20) protected by a cover (25) transparent or translucent to light, closing an opening of said panel, said light emitting element (20) being configured for emitting light indicative of an operating status of the machine to the outside of the casing (10), said cover being integrated at least in the front panel (11).