USER INTERFACE PANEL FOR AN OVEN APPLIANCE

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to oven appliances, and more particularly, to user interface panels for oven appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional residential and commercial oven appliances generally include a cabinet that includes a cooking chamber for receipt of food items for cooking. Multiple heating elements are positioned within the cooking chamber to provide heat to food items located therein. The heating elements can include, for example, radiant heating elements, such as a bake heating assembly positioned at a bottom of the cooking chamber and/or a separate broiler heating assembly positioned at a top of the cooking chamber.

Oven appliance also commonly include a user interface panel to facilitate user interaction and control of the appliance. The user interface panel commonly includes electronics that are sensitive to steam, condensation, or other moisture. For example, certain user interface panels include capacitive touch sensors that are susceptible to malfunction when moisture comes into the capacitive field, creating false key inputs or otherwise overwhelming the control with excessive input and essentially drowning out intended user input. Therefore, touch controls on a cooking appliance faces challenges when exposed to moisture during cooking, e.g., as steam can enter the control enclosure and contact the touch sensitive surfaces on the back of capacitive touch controls. This problem may be exacerbated due to fans or active cooling systems that draw air into the control enclosure to cool electronics.

Accordingly, an oven appliance with a user interface panel that is insensitive to moisture is desirable. More specifically, a user interface panel that includes sealing features for mitigating false key presses associated with the presence of steam, condensate or other moisture, thereby eliminating one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, an oven appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction is provided, including a cabinet defining a cooking chamber, a door rotatably mounted to the cabinet to provide selective access to the cooking chamber, and a user interface panel mounted to the cabinet. The user interface panel includes a control board housing, a control board mounted to the control board housing, the control board comprising one or more electronic components, a control board cover positioned over the control board housing and the control board, and a sealing element positioned between the control board housing and the control board or the control board cover.

In another exemplary embodiment, a user interface panel for an appliance is provided. The appliance includes a cabinet defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction. The user interface panel includes a control board housing mounted to the cabinet, a control board mounted to the control board housing, the control board comprising one or more electronic components, a control board cover positioned over the control board housing and the control board, and a sealing element positioned between the control board housing and the control board or the control board cover.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a front perspective view of an oven appliance according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a front perspective view of the example oven appliance of FIG. 1 with a door in the open position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 3 provides a side, schematic view of the example oven appliance of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 provides a top, perspective view of a control board housing of the example oven appliance of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 provides a side, schematic view of the example control board housing of FIG. 4 including a sealing element according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 provides a side, schematic view of the example control board housing of FIG. 4 including a sealing element according to another example embodiment of the present subject matter.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As explained herein, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to a PCB cover with an integrated light guide that prevents steam from condensing on the touch control surfaces and creating false touch inputs in a cooking appliance. While cooking, steam generated by the cooking appliance may enter into the control enclosure and contact the touch sensitive surfaces on the back of capacitive touch controls, which can lead to the malfunction of the capacitive field by creating false key inputs or otherwise overwhelming the control with excessive input, essentially drowning out intended user input. To prevent the steam from condensing on the control surfaces, a mechanically sealed compartment (PCB cover with integrated light guide) with a five-sided box like structure may be attached or sealed to the outer perimeter of the PCB using screws or a gasket or integrated sealing feature. The PCB cover may include integrated reflective light guides for reflecting light from LEDs on the PCB board to a control panel (UI). The box may be sealed against the PCB using a fiber gasket or a silicone gasket or using an integrated crush-ring like gasket that is incorporated into the injection molded box.

FIG. 1 provides a front, perspective view of an oven appliance 100 as may be employed with the present subject matter. Oven appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. As illustrated, oven appliance 100 includes an insulated cabinet 102. Cabinet 102 of oven appliance 100 extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along the vertical direction V, between a first side 108 (left side when viewed from front) and a second side 110 (right side when viewed from front) along the lateral direction L, and between a front 112 and a rear 114 (FIG. 3) along the transverse direction T.

Within cabinet 102 is a single cooking chamber 120 which is configured for the receipt of one or more food items to be cooked. However, it should be appreciated that oven appliance 100 is provided by way of example only, and aspects of the present subject matter may be used in any suitable cooking appliance, such as a double oven range appliance. Thus, the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is not intended to limit the present subject matter to any particular cooking chamber configuration or arrangement. Indeed, aspects of the present subject matter may be applied to any suitable cooktop appliance.

Referring now also to FIGS. 2 and 3, oven appliance 100 includes a door 124 rotatably attached to cabinet 102 in order to permit selective access to cooking chamber 120. Handle 126 is mounted to door 124 to assist a user with opening and closing door 124 in order to access cooking chamber 120. As an example, a user can pull on handle 126 mounted to door 124 to open or close door 124 and access cooking chamber 120. One or more transparent viewing windows 128 (FIG. 1) may be defined within door 124 to provide for viewing the contents of cooking chamber 120 when door 124 is closed and also assist with insulating cooking chamber 120.

Cooking chamber 120 is defined by a plurality of chamber walls 130. Specifically, cooking chamber 120 may be defined by a top wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall, and two sidewalls 130. These chamber walls 130 may be joined together to define an opening through which a user may selectively access cooking chamber 120 by opening door 124. In order to insulate cooking chamber 120, oven appliance 100 includes an insulating gap defined between the chamber walls 130 and cabinet 102. According to an exemplary embodiment, the insulation gap is filled with an insulating material 132, such as insulating foam or fiberglass, for insulating cooking chamber 120.

Oven appliance 100 also includes a cooktop 140. Cooktop 140 is positioned at or adjacent top 104 of cabinet 102 such that it is positioned above cooking chamber 120. Specifically, cooktop 140 includes a top panel 142 positioned proximate top 104 of cabinet 102. By way of example, top panel 142 may be constructed of glass, ceramics, enameled steel, and combinations thereof. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, cooktop includes a ceramic glass panel 144 having a plurality of cooking zones.

Oven appliance 100 may further include one or more heating elements (identified generally by reference numeral 150) for selectively heating cooking utensils positioned on glass panel 144 or food items positioned within cooking chamber 120. For example, referring to FIG. 1, heating elements 150 may be electric burners 150. Specifically, a plurality of electric burners 150 are mounted within or on top of top panel 142 underneath a glass panel 144 that supports cooking utensils over the electric burners 150 while electric burners 150 provide thermal energy to cooking utensils positioned thereon, e.g., to heat food and/or cooking liquids (e.g., oil, water, etc.). Electric burners 150 can be configured in various sizes so as to provide e.g., for the receipt of cooking utensils (i.e., pots, pans, etc.) of various sizes and configurations and to provide different heat inputs for such cooking utensils. According to alternative embodiments, oven appliance 100 may have other cooktop configurations or burner elements.

In addition, heating elements 150 may be positioned within or may otherwise be in thermal communication with cooking chamber 120 for regulating the temperature within cooking chamber 120. Specifically, an upper gas heating element 154 (also referred to as a broil heating element or gas burner) may be positioned in cabinet 102, e.g., at a top portion of cooking chamber 120, and a lower gas heating element 156 (also referred to as a bake heating element or gas burner) may be positioned at a bottom portion of cooking chamber 120. Upper gas heating element 154 and lower gas heating element 156 may be used independently or simultaneously to heat cooking chamber 120, perform a baking or broil operation, perform a cleaning cycle, etc. The size and heat output of gas heating elements 154, 156 can be selected based on the, e.g., the size of oven appliance 100 or the desired heat output. Oven appliance 100 may include any other suitable number, type, and configuration of heating elements 150 within cabinet 102 and/or on cooktop 140. For example, oven appliance 100 may further include electric heating elements, induction heating elements, or any other suitable heat generating device.

Although aspects of the present subject matter are described herein in the context of a single oven appliance, it should be appreciated that oven appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other oven or range appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter, e.g., double ovens, standalone cooktops, etc.

As illustrated, oven appliance 100 may generally include a user interface panel 160 that is located within convenient reach of a user of the oven appliance 100. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, user interface panel 160 is mounted at a front 112 and top 104 corner of cabinet 102, e.g., directly above door 124. Although user interface panel 160 is illustrated as being mounted at a top, front of cabinet 102, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may be applicable to other mounting locations of control panels, e.g., such as front mount control panels, rear mount panels, etc. In addition, it should be appreciated that the present subject matter is not limited oven applications but could instead be applied to any other suitable appliance.

For this example embodiment, user interface panel 160 includes control inputs 162 that are each associated with one of heating elements 150. In this manner, control inputs 162 allow the user to activate each heating element 150 and determine the amount of heat input provided by each heating element 150 to a cooking food items within cooking chamber 120 or on cooktop 140. Although control inputs 162 are illustrated as touch-sensitive or contact inputs, it should be understood that control inputs 162 and the configuration of oven appliance 100 shown in FIG. 1 is provided by way of example only. More specifically, user interface panel 160 may include various input components, such as one or more of a variety control knobs, electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. User interface panel 160 may also be provided with one or more graphical display devices or display components 164, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback or other information to the user such as e.g., whether a particular heating element 150 is activated and/or the rate at which the heating element 150 is set.

User interface panel 160 may be in direct operative communication with a controller 166 of oven appliance 100, such that user inputs via user interface panel 160 may be directly used to regulate operation of various components of oven appliance 100. User interface panel 160 of oven appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 166 via, for example, one or more signal lines or shared communication busses, and signals generated in controller 166 operate oven appliance 100 in response to user input via user input devices 162. Input/Output ("I/O") signals may be routed between controller 166 and various operational components of oven appliance 100 such that operation of oven appliance 100 can be regulated by controller 166.

Controller 166 is a “processing device” or “controller” and may be embodied as described herein. Controller 166 may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICS), CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of oven appliance 100, and controller 166 is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM, electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM), or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 166 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

In addition, controller 166 may also be communication with one or more sensors, such as temperature sensor 168 (FIG. 3), which may be used to measure temperature inside cooking chamber 120 and provide such measurements to the controller 166. As used herein, “temperature sensor” or the equivalent is intended to refer to any suitable type of temperature measuring system or device positioned at any suitable location for measuring the desired temperature. Thus, for example, temperature sensor 168 may each be any suitable type of temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, a semiconductor-based integrated circuit temperature sensor, etc. In addition, temperature sensor 168 may be positioned at any suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to a controller that is proportional to and/or indicative of the temperature being measured. Although exemplary positioning of temperature sensors is described herein, it should be appreciated that oven appliance 100 may include any other suitable number, type, and position of temperature and/or other sensors according to alternative embodiments.

Referring now also to FIGS. 4 through 6, user interface panel 160 may generally include a user interface board or printed circuit board 200 (also referred to as a “control board”) that may generally be configured for supporting controller 166, various other control inputs or outputs of oven appliance 100, and other electronic components 202, as described in more detail below. More specifically, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, printed circuit board 200 may include or be operably coupled to one or more user inputs (e.g., control inputs 162) for receiving user input and/or to one or more displays or indicators (e.g., display components 164) for providing user notifications, e.g., by illuminating indicators to indicate cycles or operating status.

According to an example embodiment, user interface panel may further include a control board housing 204 that is generally configured to support or contain printed circuit board 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, printed circuit board 200 is positioned on a top surface of control board housing 204. As shown, control board housing 204 may define one or more attachment features or standoffs 208 and printed circuit board 200 may be attached to standoffs, e.g., using an adhesive, clip, mechanical fasters, etc.

A control board cover 210 may be positioned over control board housing 204 and printed circuit board 200 and may provide an interactive contact or touch surface 212 for facilitating user interaction and control of oven appliance 100. According to an example embodiment, control board cover 210 may be attached to control board housing 204 and/or printed circuit board 200 using an adhesive. According to an example embodiment, control board cover 210 may be any suitable electrically insulated and opaque material that is mounted on top surface 206 of printed circuit board 200, e.g., to serve as a rigid support to facilitate user interaction with user interface panel 160. For example, control board cover 210 may be formed from ceramic glass, plexiglass, or any other suitable rigid material. According to an example embodiment, printed circuit board 200 is mounted to control board cover 210 such that top surface 206 of printed circuit board 200 is positioned against and mounted in direct contact with a bottom surface 214 of control board cover 210. According to alternative embodiments, printed circuit board 200 could also be mounted with adhesive between the top surface 206 of printed circuit board 200 and control board cover 210.

In general, control board cover 210 may be any suitable panel for dead fronting user interface panel 160 to a user of oven appliance 100. As used herein, the term “dead front” and the like is generally intended to refer to portions of a control panel which may be used as indicators, buttons, interactive control surfaces, or other user-interaction features without exposing the user to the operating side of the equipment or live parts and connections, i.e., lights, electrical connections, etc. According to exemplary embodiments, control board cover 210 may further include a diffusion layer that is printed or applied to the bottom surface of control board cover 210 to help facilitate distribution of light. According to example embodiments, some or all indicators are visible in the “off” state but are diffused enough that a user cannot see the button through control board cover 210.

For example, control board cover 210 may include a transparent or translucent body and an opaque masking material or a masking layer 216 that is selectively printed on touch surface 212 (or bottom surface 214) of the translucent body to define one or more indicator zones 218 (e.g., corresponding to control inputs 162 or other indicators) and/or other illuminated features on user interface panel 160. In this regard, an opaque masking material may be deposited on the translucent body, may be applied using an adhesive, or may be applied in any other manner to define any suitable number, size, and configuration of illuminated features. These illuminated features may be shapes or include other forms such as symbols, words, etc. that are visible on user interface panel 160. More specifically, when the light sources are energized, indicator zones 218 that correspond to the control inputs 162 or other indicators may be illuminated. Thus, the dead fronted touch surface 212 may be the surfaces that are contacted for controlling oven appliance 100 or which may be illuminated for purposes of indicating operating status or other conditions to the user of the oven appliance 100.

According to an exemplary embodiment, indicator zones 218 may correspond to user input buttons 162. In this regard, capacitive touch sensors 220 of user interface panel 160 may be mounted below selected indicator zones 218 and are operable to detect user inputs on control board cover 210 of user interface panel 160. For example, a capacitive touch sensor 220 may be mounted to printed circuit board 200 and may be configured for triggering when a user touches a touch surface 212 of control board cover 210 proximate the capacitive touch sensor 220.

In general, control board housing 204 and/or control board cover 210 may be constructed from any suitably rigid material to facilitate operation of oven appliance 100. For example, it should be appreciated that various features of user interface panel 160 may be formed by injection molding, e.g., using a suitable plastic material, such as injection molding grade Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), Nylon 6, high impact polystyrene (HIPS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or any other suitable blend of polymers. Alternatively, according to the exemplary embodiment, these components may be compression molded, e.g., using sheet molding compound (SMC) thermoset plastic or other thermoplastics. According to still other embodiments, portions of user interface panel 160 may be formed from any other suitable rigid material.

Printed circuit board 200 may house various electronic components 202 to facilitate appliance operation. For example, electronic components 202 may include one or more capacitive touch sensors 220. In general, capacitive touch sensors 220 can detect when a finger or another conductive material with a dielectric different than air contacts or approaches user interface panel 160. As illustrated, these capacitive touch sensors 220 may be mounted to top surface 206 of printed circuit board 200 such that they be positioned close to control board cover 210 for proper detection of user inputs. According to an example embodiment, capacitive touch sensors 220 may also be embedded within printed circuit board 200, e.g., such that a top surface of capacitive touch sensors 220 sits flush with top surface 206 of printed circuit board 200. Accordingly, when a user touches touch surface 212 of control board cover 210 adjacent one of capacitive touch sensors 220, such capacitive touch sensor 220 triggers and, e.g., signals a controller (e.g., controller 166). In such a manner, operations of oven appliance 100 can be initiated and controlled.

According to the illustrated embodiment, user interface panel 160 may further include a plurality of light sources 222 that are mounted to printed circuit board 200 for selectively generating light. In this regard, light sources 222 may be configured for illuminating indicators, control inputs, or other features on user interface panel 160. Light sources 222 may be operably coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to printed circuit board 200, another suitable control board, and/or controller 166. Activation or illumination of light sources 222 may be generally controlled by a printed circuit board 200 or controller 166 (e.g., to indicate a user input, state of the oven appliance, state of a cooking cycle, burner heat level, or any other relevant information to a user).

The light sources 222 may be provided as any suitable number, type, position, and configuration of electrical light source(s), using any suitable light technology and illuminating in any suitable color. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, light sources 222 may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), which may each illuminate in a single color (e.g., white LEDs), or which may each illuminate in multiple colors (e.g., multi-color or RGB LEDs) depending on the control signal from controller 166. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, light sources 222 may include any other suitable traditional light bulbs or sources, such as halogen bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, incandescent bulbs, glow bars, a fiber light source, etc.

According to the illustrated embodiment, light sources 222 are mounted to bottom surface 214 of printed circuit board 200 and are configured as “down-firing” light sources 222. Control board housing 204 may define a plurality of light guides 230 to receive, redirect, and/or diffuse light generated by light sources 222. In this regard, light guides 230 may diffuse and reflect light back upward toward control board cover 210. To achieve illumination through control board cover 210, apertures 232 may be defined through printed circuit board 200 to permit light to pass therethrough. Light sources 222 may include any suitable number, type, configuration, and orientation of light sources mounted at any suitable location to direct light into light guides and illuminate status indicators or buttons in any suitable colors, sizes, patterns, etc. For example, according to an alternative embodiment, light sources 222 may be mounted on top surface 206 of printed circuit board 200 and may be “up-firing” light sources that direct light toward control board cover 210.

Notably, as explained above, conventional printed circuit boards may be exposed to steam, condensation, or other moisture, e.g., due to steam generated on the cooktop or moisture escaping the cooking chamber when the door is opened. This moisture may affect the operation of sensitive electronics, resulting in false key presses, poor detection of user inputs, and consumer dissatisfaction. Accordingly, aspects of the present subject matter are directed to a sealing feature or element that prevents or limits exposure of printed circuit board 200 to moisture within or around oven appliance 100.

In this regard, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6, user interface panel 160 may include a sealing element 240 that is positioned between control board housing 204 and printed circuit board 200 and/or control board cover 210. In general, sealing element 240 may form a substantially water or moisture tight enclosure 242 between control board housing 204 and control board cover 210. In this regard, sealing element 240 may be a resilient feature that deforms or deflects to form a water-tight seal against control board cover 210. For example, as best shown in FIG. 5, sealing element 240 may be a crush ring 244 that is mounted to or formed on a top edge 246 of control board housing 210. As shown, crush ring 244 is tapered along the vertical direction V toward a distal end such that crush ring 244 may deform when control board cover 210 is installed.

It should be appreciated that control board housing 204 and crush ring 244 may be formed from any suitable material. For example, according to exemplary embodiments, control board housing 204 and crush ring 244 may be formed by injection molding, e.g., using a suitable plastic material, such as injection molding grade Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), Nylon 6, high impact polystyrene (HIPS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or any other suitable blend of polymers. Alternatively, according to the exemplary embodiment, these components may be compression molded, e.g., using sheet molding compound (SMC) thermoset plastic or other thermoplastics. According to still other embodiments, portions of user interface panel 160 may be formed from any other suitable rigid material. In addition, according to an example embodiment, crush ring 244 may be overmolded onto control board housing 204.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, sealing element 240 could alternatively be a gasket 250, e.g., formed from silicone, rubber, fiber, or any other suitably pliant material. As illustrated, control board housing 204 may define a receiving shoulder 252 and gasket 250 may be positioned at least partially within receiving shoulder 252. For example, gasket 250 may be mounted in receiving shoulder 252 and may protrude above top edge 246. In this manner, installing control board cover 210 may deform or deflect gasket 250 to form a fluid-tight enclosure 242. Other suitable sealing features and configurations are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.