Articles

An Alluring Package ~ Appliance Magazine - August 1999 pg. 34

With the increasing use of electronic switches and controls in appliances, suppliers that can provide custom-designed components and multiple services are a great advantage to OEM's.

Especially with the increasing use of electronic switches and controls in appliances, suppliers that can provide custom-designed components and multiple services are a great advantage to OEM's. That is why Broan-NuTone turned to DNA Group, Inc. (Raleigh, NC) and DNA's manufacturing site Defond Manufacturing Ltd. (Hong Kong) to help meet the specifications of Allure , Broan-NuTone's new range hood set for introduction this month.

More than 4,000 surveyed homeowners envisioned a range hood with a modern design; one that is significantly quieter than current models; one that is easy to clean; one that has good cook-top lighting; and one that performs its primary function sufficiently-it removes smoke, heat, and odors. Homeowners also said they wanted easy, responsive controls on a new range hood.

Broan-NuTone selected DNA Group and Defond Manufacturing to provide the engineering support and technical capabilities for customized switches and electronic assemblies for Allure . Because manufacturers now expect more from a supplier than just standard components, DNA and Defond assisted in the development of the electronic circuitry. Defond wrote the control software for the product and produced and tested prototype boards for evaluation by the OEMs. Relying on in-house capabilities, Defond also designed and produced the tool for stamping the heat sinks used on the PCBs, production molds for plastic housings, and knobs. Both companies' joint engineering capabilities offered Broan-NuTone the convenience of a one-stop-shop that was ultimately cost-effective.

"Defond's willingness to do anything we needed to meet homeowners' requests, including tooling an entirely new switch, made everything go smoothly," stated Rob Roell, project engineer at Broan-NuTone. "DNA provided us the opportunity to do business in the U.S., yet obtain an Asian product and at its related cost savings."

In just 15 months from the initial design stage, three models of Allure were ready for production. Allure I incorporates a custom oval rocker switch that provides a sleek European style to the hood. The Allure II and Allure III utilize electronic assemblies combining tact switches, triacs, and relays to achieve a more sophisticated unit with more options. Some features include: a lighted indication of fan speed through the use of LEDs; temperature sensing for fan operation which automatically engages the fan to the high-speed position when temperatures exceed 65°C (149°F); and multiple-level fan and lighting controls. Giving OEMs the option of one-stop shopping for switches, controls, and services leads to products with more features that can be cost-effective and quickly produced .