Window assembly for an appliance panel incorporating a glazing member having a conductive/resistive coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical appliances with glazing members in outer panels face challenges in efficiently delivering electrical power to various components within the panels due to the need for extensive wiring, which complicates the integration of electrical components and can lead to issues with condensation and temperature control.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a conductive coating on glazing members within a glazing frame, in communication with electrical conductors, allows for the delivery of electrical power and heat, minimizing the need for wiring and enabling efficient defogging and temperature control through electrically resistive coatings and dynamic diode harnesses for selective activation of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional wiring methods are used to deliver electrical power to components within the appliance panel, then electrical components can be powered, but the wiring complexity increases and integration becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of electrical componentsVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electrical conductor function with the glazing member by applying a conductive coating directly to the glazing member. This merging eliminates the need for separate wiring harnesses and connectors, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining electrical power delivery capability to components within the appliance panel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The glazing member is given multiple functions: it serves as both the transparent panel component and the electrical conductor. The conductive coating on the glazing member allows it to perform both optical (light transmission) and electrical (power delivery) functions, simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If conductive coating is applied to glazing member for electrical power delivery, then wiring complexity is reduced, but the conductive coating must maintain both electrical and optical properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring complexityVSAvoiddual functionality of conductive coating

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive coating is applied selectively to specific areas or patterns on the glazing member surface, allowing different regions to have different properties. This enables the coating to maintain optical transparency where needed while providing electrical conductivity in specific pathways, satisfying both electrical and optical requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrical components are integrated within the appliance panel, then functionality is enhanced, but condensation and temperature control issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical component functionalityVSAvoidcondensation and temperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive coating on the glazing member acts as an intermediary heating element that can be electrically controlled to prevent condensation. By applying electrical power to the conductive coating, it generates heat that warms the glazing member surface, preventing moisture condensation while maintaining the electrical component functionality within the panel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reduces the complexity of wiring, enhances the efficiency of electrical power delivery, and effectively manages condensation and temperature within the appliance panels, allowing for seamless integration of electrical components and improved user interface functionality.

Implementation Method 1

A conductive coating is applied to at least one surface of the at least one glazing member and at least one electrical conductor is disposed proximate a portion of the glazing frame. The at least one electrical conductor is in communication with the conductive coating.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

enabling efficient defogging and temperature control through electrically resistive coatings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10440782B2Window assembly for an appliance panel incorporating a glazing member having a conductive/resistive coating

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A panel member for an appliance includes an outer wrapper and an inner liner that define a panel opening therethrough, a panel window disposed in the opening and having at least one glazing member that is disposed within a glazing frame, a conductive coating applied to at least one surface of the at least one glazing member and at least one electrical conductor disposed proximate a portion of the glazing frame, the electrical conductor in communication with the conductive coating.