Revitalising Poolside Elegance: A New LED Backlit Panel Design
In the heart of the UK’s swimming pool industry, Dripool stands as a beacon of innovation, crafting high-quality automatic safety covers that prioritize both safety and aesthetics. Yet, even the most advanced technology can be overshadowed by outdated design. Recognising this, together Dripool, assisted by RH Technical Industries Ltd., embarked on a mission to breathe new life into their outdoor control interfaces, transforming them into visually striking pieces of technology with a new LED Backlit Panel design.
This case study delves into the collaborative journey undertaken by both companies, exploring how a seemingly minor design overhaul led to a significant impact on user experience and brand perception. By reimagining the control interface, we aimed to create a seamless blend of functionality and form, transforming it into a stylish addition to any poolside setting.
The Challenge
Dripool’s main concern was the cosmetic look of their control panels, which looked a bit dated for their marketplace. These controllers are essential to their high-value pool equipment. We manufacture the control panels that operate these covers to be water-resistant and robust while ensuring a basic appearance that meets current customer expectations. Dripool wanted to find a way to make their control panels look more high-end while retaining the same intuitive functionality. Thus, the product’s new look will be more commercially appealing to their customers.
The Solution
RH proposed a cost-effective solution that met their product requirements. During a design brief with their Director, RH’s Engineering team suggested a new control panel that featured an LED-driven backlighting solution. Although initially considering capacitive switching for its visual and touch control features, we agreed that this solution would not suit the environmental conditions to which the product would be subject. RH suggested a backlit membrane keypad solution, incorporating LED-driven Light Guide Film (LGF) <<text hyperlink>>. After Liaising with Dripool’s sub-contracted electronic designers, a plan was created for manufacture. Following the quotation and order placement, RH prepared an engineering approval pack. This pack involves artwork, colour samples and the new circuit design.
On approval of the pack, we then progressed to working prototypes which Dripool well received. We soon moved into full manufacture. We engineered a new membrane switch for the control panel. Laminated onto a sealed, IP67-rated, water-resistant enclosure (that we also supplied) and utilising LED-driven Light Guided Film enhance its appearance. The LEDs provide a soft, even glow that illuminates the control panel keys, making them easy to see in low-light conditions. The Light Guided Film creates a diffused light evenly distributed from side-firing LEDs through light reflective tunnels to anywhere on the display we desire. The result is a more uniform and attractive appearance than just LEDs alone.
4 Benefits of LED Backlighting and Light-Guided Film (LGF)
Both LED Backlighting and Light-Guided Film (LGF) change the game for Control Panels, offering a compelling solution for modern membrane keypad design. By combining these technologies, you can significantly enhance your panels’ appearance and functionality. Here are four key benefits:
- Superior Visibility: LGF provides a soft, even glow that illuminates control panel keys, ensuring optimal visibility even in low-light conditions. This eliminates the need for straining to read labels and reduces the risk of errors.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: LGF creates a diffused, uniform light distribution, resulting in a sleek and modern look. The consistent illumination across the panel enhances its overall appeal and professionalism.
- Exceptional Durability: Both LED backlighting and LGF are built to last. They can withstand harsh environmental conditions, including temperature fluctuations, humidity, and vibration, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Cost-Effective Solution: An LED backlit panel and LGF often offer a more economical solution compared to traditional backlighting methods. This can help reduce overall costs without compromising on performance or aesthetics.
By incorporating LED backlighting and LGF into your control panel designs, you can elevate both user experience and product appeal.
An Outdoor LED Backlit Panel Design: The Result
To recap, Dripool was initially looking to modernise its product. After discussing the many options with the RH engineering team, they changed their goals to a backlighting solution that transformed the cosmetic appearance of their product. A prototype reassured their expectations of a successful design. Dripool then ordered full production and assembly of their new swimming pool cover controller. The new modernised look with LED-driven backlighting offers their customers a better user experience. High-value items these days need to look modern as well as work perfectly. With the new cosmetic appearance added to their top-range product, Dripool wants to adopt the same solution for other products with a LED Backlit Panel.
The Testimonial
As a designers and manufacturers of Bespoke Swimming Pool Safety Covers, we have developed a wealthy and influential customer base throughout the UK and Europe.
Therefore, it is important to ensure we are using the best equipment possible. With this in mind we approached RH Technical at a Trade Expo in Farnborough, with the goal of designing and manufacturing a new Operation Panel to control our safety cover system.
From day one the process was very smooth. We had a couple of initial design meetings at their offices, which were very productive. The design team at RH Technical are extremely knowledgeable and professional.
They understood very quickly, what was required, and it wasn’t long before we had an approved concept design. From design approval, creating a protype then to order delivery, RH Technical were in regular communication with progress updates. When the first order arrived, it was very well packaged and presented. We have order several hundred of the units so far and they have been 100% fault free.
To have a bespoke product designed, manufactured and delivered fully functioning 100% of the time, without any modifications or updates, is a testament to the quality that RH Technical deliver.
We are looking forward to placing many more future orders, and having them design future products.
The LED Backlit Panel Conclusion
If you are looking for a way to improve the appearance of your control panels, RH Technical Industries Ltd. can help. We offer a wide range of LED backlighting and LGF solutions customised to meet our customer’s very specific needs. Most importantly, our team has the knowledge and experience to make your product successful in any market sector.