Hairdryer control logic and interface

Abstract

A hairdryer control panel and switch system includes a fan speed switch ( 1 ), a heat setting switch ( 2 ), a “cool” switch ( 3 ) and a “turbo” switch ( 4 ). The speed switch ( 1 ) and heat switch ( 2 ) are bi-directional and, preferably, membrane switches. The “cool” switch ( 3 ) and the “turbo” switch are also, preferably, membrane switches. By advancing the speed switch ( 1 ) in either direction, a visual selection indicator ( 5 ) is moved among a displayed array of speed setting selections, corresponding to predetermined fan or motor speeds. Similarly, the heat switch ( 2 ) is manipulated to move a visual selection indicator ( 6 ) among various heat settings.

1 . A control panel and display system for a hairdryer, said system comprising 
 a switch for controlling a multi-setting function of said hairdryer;    a display panel for displaying various settings relating to said function; and    a visual indicator signal that is selectively movable among said settings on said display in response to manipulation of said switch to select a function setting of said hairdryer.    
   
   
       2 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein 
 said switch is a membrane switch.    
   
   
       3 . A system according to  claim 2 , wherein 
 said display panel is an LCD display.    
   
   
       4 . A system according to  claim 1 , further comprising 
 a cooling switch that, when activated, causes at least one heat element in said hairdryer to de-activate, thereby reducing the temperature of air flowing out of said hairdryer.    
   
   
       5 . A system according to  claim 1 , further comprising 
 an airspeed boost switch that, when activated, causes the speed of air flowing out of said hairdryer to increase.    
   
   
       6 . A control panel and display system for a hairdryer, said system comprising 
 a first switch for controlling a first multi-setting function of said hairdryer;    a second switch for controlling a second multi-setting function of said hairdryer;    a display panel for displaying various settings relating to said first and second functions; and    a plurality of visual indicator signals that are selectively movable among said settings on said display in response to manipulation of said switch to select various function settings of said hairdryer