Detachable multifunction control knob assembly

Abstract

A knob assembly for a coupled appliance includes a base static portion and an actionable cap portion, wherein the base static portion includes a base plate, a bearing retainer fixed to the base plate, a sleeve bearing fixed to the bearing retainer, and a set of coupling magnets disclosed between the bearing retainer and the base plate; the actionable cap portion includes a cover cap, a rotating shaft attached to the cover cap, and a control magnet fastened to the rotating shaft. The knob assembly is capable of being detachably attached to a surface of the coupled appliance.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 618,209, filed January 5, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to electrical appliance control. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a detachable, multi-functional magnetic control knob assembly for improving control of coupled household appliances. Background Technology

[0003] Existing control knobs used in home appliances such as induction cooktops, stovetops, microwave ovens, and refrigerators exhibit various limitations that hinder their performance and usability. A significant problem is their fixed attachment to the appliance, which complicates the cleaning process. Because these knobs are typically permanently coupled to the device, dirt, grease, and debris can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, making thorough cleaning challenging.

[0004] Another limitation lies in their functional design. Most control knobs are limited to a single operating mode, such as rotating to adjust the heating temperature of the cooktop. This lack of versatility means that users cannot directly perform other functions from the knob, such as switching between cooking modes, setting timers, or adjusting other appliance features. As modern appliances become increasingly multifunctional, the limited design of knobs cannot meet the evolving needs of users.

[0005] Furthermore, safety is a critical drawback. Existing control knobs often lack built-in safety mechanisms such as child locks or protection against accidental activation. The absence of these measures increases the risk of misuse, accidental alteration of electrical settings, or potential hazards in households with children.

[0006] Therefore, there is an unmet need for improved control knobs that are easier to clean, integrate multi-functional controls for enhanced usability, and incorporate safety features to ensure safe operation. Such improvements would make these knobs more user-friendly, versatile, and safe for everyday use. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned drawbacks, a magnetic control knob assembly for an electrical appliance is provided. An example knob assembly for a coupled electrical appliance includes a static base portion and a movable cap portion. The static base portion includes a substrate base, a bearing retainer fixed to the substrate base, a sleeve bearing fixed to the bearing retainer, and a set of coupling magnets disclosed between the bearing retainer and the substrate. The movable cap portion includes a cover cap, a pivot attached to the cover cap, and a control magnet fastened to the pivot. The knob assembly can be detachably attached to the surface of the coupled electrical appliance.

[0008] The foregoing is an overview and therefore necessarily includes simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of details; thus, this overview is illustrative only and not intended to be limiting in any way. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the systems and / or processes described herein will become clear in the non-limiting detailed description set forth herein. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The disclosed implementation has advantages and features that will become more apparent from the detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings (or figures). A brief description of the drawings follows.

[0010] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of an example magnetic control knob assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2A An example substrate base, including a placement seat, is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2B An example layout of a substrate base according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an example magnetic control knob assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 An example layout of a hinge according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of a portion of an electrical appliance coupled according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 6 This is an overall view of an example magnetic control knob assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process for preparing a magnetic control knob assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In the following detailed description of the implementations, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and are shown by way of illustration. It should be understood that features of the various implementations described can be combined, other implementations can be utilized, and structural changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It should also be understood that features of the various implementations and examples herein can be combined, exchanged, or removed without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity, reference numerals and descriptions of redundant elements between the figures may be omitted.

[0019] This disclosure aims to address the aforementioned problems and other issues found in existing control knobs by providing a detachable and multifunctional magnetic control knob assembly. The disclosed magnetic control knob assembly can be attached to a control unit that is magnetically attracted to a corresponding electrical appliance, making the disclosed knob assembly detachable and removable from the coupled appliance. A magnetic sensing unit can be configured to be separate from or independent of the magnetic control knob assembly, allowing the knob assembly to be easily removed. For example, a magnetic sensor (e.g., an angle sensor) for sensing the rotation of the knob assembly can be disposed within the control unit fixed to the appliance (e.g., below the surface of the appliance), wherein the magnetic sensor can function as a knob reader to read control information provided by the knob assembly, such as rotation angle, etc. According to one embodiment, the angle sensor can be a magnetometer configured to detect rotational information or angular position of a coupled magnet disposed within the detachable magnetic control knob assembly.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the disclosed magnetic control knob assembly may additionally include a magnetic click mechanism that allows a portion of the magnetic control knob assembly to move up / down to achieve a clicking action. By achieving the clicking action, the disclosed magnetic control knob assembly can be configured to perform additional functions beyond those achieved by rotation of the magnetic control knob assembly, similar to other existing magnetic control knobs. For example, while rotation of the disclosed magnetic control knob assembly can be configured to control the heating temperature of a cooktop, the included clicking action can be configured to turn a coupled appliance on / off, and / or turn on / off components such as lights or fans included in the coupled appliance.

[0021] In some embodiments, the disclosed magnetic control knob assembly can be configured to turn the coupled appliance on / off even without using the click function described above. For example, the disclosed magnetic control knob assembly can automatically turn off the coupled appliance when it is detached from the appliance (e.g., when pulled away from the surface of the coupled appliance). Alternatively or additionally, the disclosed magnetic control knob assembly can automatically turn on the coupled appliance when attached to it. In such applications, the disclosed magnetic control knob assembly can use a click action to perform functions other than turning the coupled appliance on / off. For example, the click action can be configured to turn lights, fans, self-cleaning processes for the coupled appliance, navigation through the user interface of the coupled appliance, etc. In some embodiments, the disclosed magnetic control knob assembly can implement additional functions not described above.

[0022] The disclosed magnetic control knob assembly exhibits advantages compared to other existing magnetic control knobs. For example, the disclosed magnetic control knob assembly can perform multiple functions, rather than a single function like other control knobs. Additionally, the knob sensor or knob reader can be decoupled from the knob assembly, allowing the magnetic control knob assembly to operate without power (or with minimal power consumption), thereby simplifying its construction and / or extending its lifespan. Furthermore, the disclosed magnetic control knob assembly is safer compared to other existing magnetic control knobs. For example, when properly configured, if the magnetic control knob assembly is removed from the coupled appliance, the coupled appliance can automatically shut off. This ensures that the coupled appliance will not be accidentally turned on, for example, during cleaning by accidentally clicking the knob or by a child. Other advantages or features may include, but are not limited to, an easier cleaning process for the coupled appliance due to the removal of the disclosed knob assembly.

[0023] It should be noted that the features, benefits and advantages described herein are not exhaustive, and many additional features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the accompanying drawings and the following description.

[0024] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of an example magnetic control knob assembly 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "control knob" will be interpreted in its broad and general sense and can refer to any form of rotary or clickable component used to adjust settings or functions on a device or appliance. Therefore, the disclosed control knobs can be widely used in household appliances such as cooktops, ovens, microwave ovens, and refrigerators, as well as in industrial equipment and consumer electronics.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the knob assembly (or simply "knob") disclosed herein can be configured to include two distinct parts: a static base portion and a rotatable / clickable cap portion. The static base portion may include a substrate base 102, a bearing retainer 104, a sleeve bearing 106, and a set of coupling magnets 108, all of which can be assembled together to form the immovable static portion of the knob assembly 100. The rotatable / clickable cap portion may include a covering member such as a cap 110, a rotating member such as a pivot 112, and a rotating magnet such as a control magnet 114, all of which can be assembled together to form the rotatable / clickable cap portion of the knob assembly. Figure 1 As shown, the knob assembly 100 may include various fixing or fastening mechanisms, such as screws 116, 118, and 120, to hold different components together. It should be noted that any number, shape, and size of screws may be present, which may be used to fix or fasten the different components included in the knob assembly 100.

[0026] The substrate base 102 may be a circular substrate or a substrate of another different shape, such as an ellipse, square, polygon, or any other regular or irregular shape. According to some embodiments, the substrate base 102 may include a set of holders for holding a set of coupled magnets 108.

[0027] According to some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 2A An example substrate base including placement seats is shown. As shown, the substrate base 102 includes a set of placement seats 202 for holding the coupled magnets included in the knob assembly 100. These placement seats 202 may be evenly and radially distributed along the edge of the substrate base 102. In some embodiments, the number of placement seats 202 for the coupled magnets 108 may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or another different number, depending on the number of coupled magnets 108 configured for the magnetic control knob assembly. Additionally, depending on the shape and size of the coupled magnets 108, the placement seats 202 for holding the coupled magnets 108 may also be of the same shape or size, or may have different shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the shape and size of the placement seats 202 for the coupled magnets 108 may be well matched to the shape and size of the coupled magnets 108, such that once these magnets are placed inside the placement seats 202, these magnets will not move freely (e.g., move left, right, up, and down, or even rotate).

[0028] exist Figure 2AIn the embodiment shown in Figure 2, there are six placement seats 202 for holding the coupling magnet 108. These placement seats 202 are in the form of circular recesses, which allows the coupling magnet 108 to be mounted inside these recesses. The coupling magnet 108 can have the same circular shape, but the diameter of the coupling magnet 108 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the placement seat 220, thereby allowing the coupling magnet 108 to fit well into these circular recesses. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the six placement seats 202 have the same size and shape. In practical applications, these placement seats can have different shapes and sizes. In addition, according to some embodiments, the distribution of these placement seats 202 can also be varied, but in practical applications, they do not need to be uniformly distributed.

[0029] Similarly, Figure 2A As shown, according to some embodiments, the substrate base 102 further includes a central placement seat 204 for holding the control magnet 114. It should be noted that the central placement seat 204 configured to hold the control magnet 114 may be larger than the control magnet 114, which allows the control magnet 114 to move freely, for example, moving up and down during a clicking action or rotating during a rotating action, as will be described in more detail later. In some embodiments, the central placement seat 204 is also in the form of a circular recess, as shown from... Figure 2A As can be seen. In addition, the central placement base 204 may have a larger size or diameter than the coupling magnet placement base 202.

[0030] In some embodiments, an additional circular recess 206 exists at the bottom of the circular recess of the central mounting base 204. The depth and diameter of the additional circular recess may be smaller than the depth and diameter of the central mounting base 204. The additional circular recess 206 is included to provide space for the rounded head of the threaded screw 116 used to secure the control magnet 114 to the rotating shaft 112, such as... Figure 3 This can be seen in the diagram. For example, during a click action of the knob assembly 100, when the control magnet 114 strikes the bottom of the circular recess of the central rest 204, the rounded head of the screw 116 may require additional space below the bottom of the circular recess of the central rest 204, and thus further provide an additional recess 206. In some embodiments, the depth of the additional circular recess 206 may be at least greater than the depth of the circular head of the threaded screw 116. In some embodiments, the additional recess 206 may not be present if the threaded hole in the pivot 112 for receiving the screw 116 is configured to allow the circular head of the screw 116 to be flush with or even deeper into the control magnet 114.

[0031] In some embodiments, the substrate base 102 further includes a set of screw holes 208 for fixing purposes, such as for securing the bearing retainer 104 to the substrate base 102. In one example, these fixing holes 208 are threaded holes, each of which may be a cylindrical cavity having a helical ridge or thread wound around its inner wall. Typically, these fixing holes 208 have a smaller diameter than the coupling magnet holder 202 and the central holder 204; however, this disclosure is limited to this configuration. Figure 2A As shown, the number of fixing holes 208 is not limited to three.

[0032] Continue to refer to Figure 2B The accompanying drawings further illustrate an example layout of a substrate base 102 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the drawings, the upper left and lower left portions are top and bottom views of the substrate base 102, respectively, while the right portion is a side view of the substrate base 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the depth of the additional circular recess 208 is approximately 0.60 mm. The distance between the bottom of the coupling magnet holder 202 and the bottom of the substrate base 102 is 1.00 mm. It should be noted that these values ​​are for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. For example, the depth of the additional circular recess 206 may fall within the range of 0.4 mm–1.2 mm, 0.2 mm–1.6 mm, 0.2 mm–2.0 mm, 0.2 mm–3.0 mm, or another different range. Similarly, the distance between the bottom of the coupling magnet placement seat 202 and the bottom of the substrate base 102 can fall within the range of 0.6 mm-1.4 mm, 0.5 mm-1.5 mm, 0.2 mm-2.0 mm, 0.2 mm-3.0 mm, or another different range.

[0033] Additionally, as from Figure 2BAs can be seen in the lower left portion, mounting holes 208 can pass through the bottom of the substrate base 102, through which screws can pass to secure the bearing retainer 104. The bearing retainer may also include a corresponding set of mounting holes. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the mounting holes 208 may not pass through the bottom of the substrate base 102. For example, the mounting screws can pass through these mounting holes from the bearing retainer 104 side, and therefore do not need to reach the bottom of the substrate base 102. In this way, the bottom of the substrate base 102 can be a flat surface without any holes or recesses, which makes cleaning the knob assembly 100 easier. Additionally, potential friction between the substrate base 102 and the surface of the coupled electrical appliance caused by holes or recesses on the bottom of the substrate base 102 can be avoided, thereby minimizing scratches on the surface of the coupled electrical appliance caused by the knob assembly 100. In some embodiments, even if the fixing screws pass through these fixing holes from the bottom of the substrate base 102, the heads of these screws can be flush with or even deeper into the fixing holes of the substrate base 102, which also minimizes friction between the substrate base 102 and the surface of the coupled electrical appliance. In some embodiments, there are no fixing holes 208 for fixing purposes. Instead, the bearing retainer 104 can be attached to the substrate base 102 by some kind of glue or other type of adhesive.

[0034] Return to reference Figure 1 The coupling magnet 108 included in the knob assembly 100 can be configured to be coupled to another set of coupling magnets disposed within the coupled appliance (e.g., fixed below the surface of the coupled appliance). Figure 5 The coupling magnets 108 and 302 are paired to detachably attach the knob assembly 100 to the surface of the coupled appliance. According to some embodiments, the coupling magnets 108 may comprise any number of magnets of any shape, provided that these coupling magnets 108 allow the knob assembly to be properly attached to the coupled appliance, for example, in a desired position and / or orientation. The placement, size, orientation, number, and material quality of the magnets 108 in the base and the magnets 302 within the appliance can be selected or designed to facilitate proper orientation and retention of the knob assembly 100. If different appliances have magnets of different shapes, sizes, and numbers, the coupling magnets 108 within the knob assembly may also have different numbers, shapes, and / or sizes. The coupling magnets 108 and 302 may be selected or designed to withstand movement of the knob assembly 100 relative to the coupled appliance under normal use conditions (e.g., when a force is applied to the knob by a user under normal use conditions or when the knob is to be placed on a non-horizontal surface). Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the coupling magnet 108 has a circular shape, and Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the knob assembly 100 includes six coupled magnets.

[0035] In some embodiments, when only one coupling magnet 108 is present, the single coupling magnet 108 may be an annular magnet (with a central opening) aligned along the edge of the substrate base 102. In some embodiments, when more than one coupling magnet is present, the plurality of coupling magnets 108 may be distributed radially and symmetrically (e.g., the centers of these coupling magnets 108 form a circle). In some embodiments, the plurality of coupling magnets 108 may be arranged with alternating polarities. Alternating polarity configurations can enhance the stability and alignment of the coupling magnets 108 within the coupled electrical appliance. In one example, the upper portions of adjacent coupling magnets 108 may have opposite polarities, and the lower portions of adjacent coupling magnets may also have opposite polarities, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. In some embodiments, the number of coupling magnets 108 may be even, such that the set of coupling magnets 108 has alternating polarities between any adjacent coupling magnets 108. In some embodiments, to facilitate proper knob placement on an appliance (e.g., when knobs for operating burners and ovens are present on a cooktop), the number, placement, and orientation of magnets may differ among knob assemblies 100 used in the same coupled appliance, wherein the knob assembly will only be properly seated in its intended position on the appliance. In some embodiments, the number, placement, and orientation of magnets in the knob assembly may facilitate correct angular positioning (clocking) of the substrate base 102, such that the absolute position of the knob 110 relative to the coupled appliance can always be determined.

[0036] In some embodiments, neodymium or other similar magnets may be used in the disclosed knob assembly 100 to provide strong magnetic coupling, thereby ensuring that the knob assembly 100 remains firmly attached to the coupled electrical appliance during operation.

[0037] In some embodiments, the coupling magnet 108 may be pressed into a corresponding placement 202 of the substrate base 102 with or without additional fastening mechanisms. In one example, the coupling magnet 108 may be fastened to the corresponding placement using some kind of adhesive. In some embodiments, the coupling magnet 108 may also be sequentially fastened when the bearing retainer 104 is secured to the substrate base 102, for example, by screws or adhesive. In some embodiments, the bearing retainer 104 may also include certain placements for retaining the magnet (not shown), similar to the placement 202 in the previously described substrate base 102. That is, the coupling magnet 108 may be partially retained inside the substrate base 102 and partially retained inside the bearing retainer 104. In some embodiments, when the knob is assembled, the coupling magnet 108 may alternatively be completely retained inside the bearing retainer 104 (not shown) or completely retained inside the substrate base 102.

[0038] Referring now to bearing retainer 104, the bearing retainer may be configured in a cylindrical shape with an inner cavity (e.g., a central hollow portion) for receiving sleeve bearing 106 and for providing additional support for coupling magnets and control magnets. In some embodiments, to increase stability while minimizing weight, bearing retainer 104 may include a central protrusion surrounding the central hollow portion for retaining sleeve bearing 106. The height of the protrusion may match the height of sleeve bearing 106 or may be slightly less than the height of sleeve bearing. In some embodiments, bearing retainer 104 may be fastened to substrate base 102, for example, by screws or adhesive as described above.

[0039] As previously described, in some embodiments, the bearing retainer 104 may include one or more supports for retaining the coupling magnet 108 and / or the central control magnet 114. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the bearing retainer 104 may additionally include a recess 308 for retaining the control magnet 114. The recess 308 may have the same shape and diameter as the circular recess 204 on the substrate base 102. The depth of the recess 308 in the bearing retainer 104 may be the same as or different from the recess 204 in the substrate base 102. In some embodiments, the recess 308 and the recess 204 together form a chamber for retaining the control magnet 114 and for providing space for the control magnet to rotate or move up and down within the chamber. Therefore, the sum of the depths of the recess 308 and the recess 204 should be greater than the height of the control magnet 114, as shown from... Figure 3 You can see it.

[0040] In some embodiments, the bearing retainer 104 may have the same shape as the substrate base 102. For example, both the bearing retainer 104 and the substrate base 102 may be circular. In some embodiments, the diameters of the bearing retainer 104 and the substrate base 102 may be the same or different. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the diameter of the bearing retainer 104 is smaller than the diameter of the substrate base 102, which reduces the weight of the bearing retainer and thus reduces the cost of manufacturing the bearing retainer 104 for the disclosed knob assembly 100.

[0041] Referring to sleeve bearing 106, the sleeve bearing may be configured to include a central hollow portion that holds an upward / downward movement segment of a rotatable / clickable cap portion. According to some embodiments, sleeve bearing 106 may include different portions or layers configured to facilitate linear or rotational movement of the movement segment of the rotatable / clickable cap portion. For example, as... Figure 1As shown, the sleeve bearing 106 can be configured to retain the rod or column section 122 of the shaft 112 to allow it to move up / down or rotate within the sleeve bearing 106. In some embodiments, the sleeve bearing 106 can be secured to the bearing retainer 104 by some fixing mechanism, such as by glue or other different adhesives. In some embodiments, to prevent slippage of the sleeve bearing 106 during a clicking action, the sleeve bearing 106 may additionally include a radially expanding flange 124 at the top of the sleeve bearing 106. The flange may be stopped by a protrusion of the bearing retainer 104 to control the downward movement of the sleeve bearing 106 to a limited distance during a clicking action.

[0042] In some embodiments, the portion of the sleeve bearing 106 other than the flange 124 may have a height similar to the height of the central hollow portion of the bearing retainer 104. In this way, when the sleeve bearing 106 is fixed to the bearing retainer 104, the bottom edge of the sleeve bearing 106 may be flush with the bottom of the recess 308, as in... Figure 3 It can be seen in the image.

[0043] In some embodiments, the sleeve bearing 106 is configured to have low frictional properties, thereby minimizing wear and ensuring effortless operation even under frequent use.

[0044] In some embodiments, once assembled by certain fixing mechanisms, the substrate base 102, coupling magnet 108, bearing retainer 104, and sleeve bearing 106 can form the static portion of the knob assembly. In some embodiments, before assembling components 102, 104, 106, and 108 together, the control magnet 114 can first be fixed to the shaft 112 from below the bearing retainer 104 and then placed inside the corresponding placement seat 206 inside the substrate base 102, such as from... Figure 3 As can be seen, once the static parts are assembled, the control magnet 114 should be able to move inside the cavity formed by the substrate base 102, the bearing retainer 104, and the sleeve bearing 106.

[0045] Referring now to the rotatable / clickable cap portion, as previously described, the rotatable / clickable cap portion may include a covering member such as a cap 110, a rotating member such as a pivot 112, and a rotating magnet or control magnet 114.

[0046] The cover 110 is a key component of the magnetic control knob assembly 100, serving as both an external cover and a part of the user interaction. This cover covers the static base portion and the pivot 112, providing a seamless external interface for the user. For example, the cover 110 may extend into or beyond the static portion to partially or completely cover it. This coverage ensures that internal components such as the bearing retainer 104 and the sleeve bearing 106 are protected from external elements such as dust, moisture, or debris. The close fit between the cover 110 and the static base portion also enhances the aesthetics of the knob by concealing the mechanical parts.

[0047] In some embodiments, when the knob assembly 100 is clickable, the cover cap 110 may partially cover the static portion (e.g., partially cover the substrate base) to leave space or gap for pushing down the rotatable / clickable cap portion. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, there is a gap 310 between the cover cap 110 and the top surface of the bearing retainer 104, which provides space for the cover cap 110 to move downward.

[0048] In some embodiments, the cap 110 may have a shape that matches the shape of the substrate base 102 or may have a different shape. In some embodiments, the cap 110 may not be a uniform layer with a consistent thickness. Instead, different portions of the cap 110 may have different thicknesses. In one example, the cap 110 may be molded to have an internal shape that matches the pivot 112 to allow the pivot 112 to be better secured to the inner surface of the top portion of the cap 110, as from... Figure 3 You can see it.

[0049] In some embodiments, the cover 110 is made of black acrylic, a durable and lightweight material that offers several advantages, including its durability, aesthetically pleasing finish, and ease of manufacture. For example, acrylic resists cracking, thereby providing structural stability under normal operating conditions. Additionally, the combination of black acrylic and a polished surface gives the knob assembly a stylish and modern look. The polished surface not only enhances usability by providing a smooth touch but also prevents dust accumulation, simplifying cleaning and maintenance. Furthermore, acrylic is easy to mold and machine, making it suitable for precision components like the cover 110.

[0050] In some embodiments, the cover cap 110 is secured to the shaft 112 using screws 118, adhesive, or similar fastening mechanisms. This connection ensures that any rotational or downward pressure applied to the cover cap 110 is directly transmitted to the shaft 112. Precise alignment between the cover cap 110 and the shaft 112 is crucial for smooth movement and accurate sensor readings. For example, as the cover cap 110 rotates, the shaft 112 rotates within a sleeve bearing 106. This movement drives a control magnet 114 at the bottom of the shaft 112, which interacts with the appliance's sensors to adjust settings such as temperature or time. Additionally, when the cover cap 110 is pressed, it causes the shaft 112 to move downward within the sleeve bearing 106. This change in the position of the control magnet triggers a click sensor in the appliance to perform an action, such as turning a device on / off, or turning a light / fan on / off.

[0051] Referring now to hinge 112, which can be positioned below cover cap 110, for example, (e.g., by screw 118) fastened to the inside of cover cap facing substrate base 102. Figure 1 As shown, the pivot 112 may include a rod or column segment or portion 122 that, when assembled, can fit into the inner cavity of the sleeve bearing 106 housed within the bearing retainer 104, allowing the cover cap 110 to rotate or move vertically. Once assembled, the rod or column segment 122 of the pivot 112 can rotate freely and / or move up / down within the inner cavity of the sleeve bearing 106. Therefore, these components provide structural support and facilitate smooth rotation and vertical movement of the knob assembly 100.

[0052] Now for reference Figure 4 This further describes the specific structure of the rotating shaft 112. For example, from... Figure 4 As can be seen in the diagram, the pivot 112 may include an upper cap 402, a lower flange 404, a vertical neck 406 connecting the cap and the flange, and the previously described lower rod or column 122. The upper cap 402 provides support for the rod or column 122 and the flange 404, and when secured by screws 118 through the flange 404, it can rest against the underside of the cap 110, as shown from... Figure 3 You can see it.

[0053] As from Figure 4 As can be further seen in the right and upper left figures, the upper cap portion 402 may not be a round cap, but may have a central extension or two cut sections. This design allows the pivot 112 to rotate more effectively when the cap rotates. For example, the inner surface of the cap 110 may also include recesses with a shape and size that match the upper cap portion 402 of the pivot 112.

[0054] The lower flange 404 has a set of slots 408 for retaining screws 118, which are used to secure the shaft 112 to the cap 110 of the knob assembly 110, as shown in... Figure 3 As can be seen, the height of the neck 406 is designed to allow these screws to at least fit into the threaded holes in the cap 110, but not so large that there is at least a gap 310 between the head of the screw 118 and the top surface of the bearing retainer 104, wherein the gap 310 has sufficient space for upward and downward movement during the click operation of the knob assembly 100, as from Figure 3 You can see it.

[0055] In some embodiments, the rod or stud 122 has a length greater than that of the sleeve bearing 106, such that the rod or stud can move up or down within the inner cavity of the sleeve bearing. In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the rod or stud 122 includes a fixed stud for securing the control magnet 114 to the shaft 112.

[0056] Referring now to control magnet 114, which can be fastened to the lower end of rod or column section 122 of shaft 112 by screw 116, and can be configured to interact with a sensor in the appliance to detect rotational or clicking actions of a knob assembly. According to some embodiments, by securing control magnet 114 to shaft 112, control magnet 114 can be controlled to move linearly or rotationally when a force is applied to cover cap 110. For example, when cover cap 110 is pushed, shaft 112 can drive control magnet 114 to move closer to a magnetic sensor disposed inside the coupled appliance (e.g., ...). Figure 5 (Magnetic sensor 304 in the knob assembly 110). The changed distance can also result in a change in the magnetic field strength between the control magnet 114 formed inside the knob assembly 110 and the coupled magnet located inside the magnetic sensor in the coupled appliance. The changed strength can then be detected by a sensor (e.g., a magnetometer), which can then allow the control unit of the appliance to produce an appropriate action, such as turning the appliance on or off.

[0057] Similarly, when a force is applied to rotate the cap 110, the control magnet 114 can also be controlled to be driven accordingly by the shaft 112. Rotation of the control magnet 114 can also cause rotation of a coupled magnet disposed within the control unit of the coupled appliance. The rotation of the coupled magnet can also be detected by a sensor (e.g., a magnetometer) disposed within the control unit of the appliance. In some embodiments, the sensor configured for rotation detection can be the same sensor configured for click action detection, or it can be a different sensor specifically configured to detect rotational movements of the knob assembly. In some embodiments, the control unit of the appliance can also generate an appropriate response in response to the rotational movement, which may include, but is not limited to, adjusting the heating temperature of the cooktop, the cooking time of the microwave oven, the heating power or level of the microwave oven, etc. References are made below. Figures 3 to 6 The specific functions and structures of the different components included in the knob assembly are further described.

[0058] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an example magnetic control knob assembly 100 according to some embodiments. As shown, the set of coupled magnets 108 inside the knob assembly 100 is disposed within a cavity formed by a substrate base 102 and a bearing retainer 104, and remains tightly secured when the bearing retainer 104 is fastened to the substrate base 102. When placed on an appliance (e.g., a cooktop glass) in a desired location, the set of coupled magnets 108 can interact with elements disposed inside the appliance (e.g., such as... Figure 3 As shown, the coupling magnet 302 (below the cooktop glass 306) is well aligned. In some embodiments, the alignment of the corresponding coupling magnet 108 between the knob assembly 100 and the coupled appliance can thus ensure the alignment of the control magnet 114 (e.g., as shown below the cooktop glass 306). Figure 3 The magnet shown for angle sensing is placed in relation to a magnetic sensor (e.g., such as...) located inside the appliance. Figure 3 The magnetic angle sensor 304 shown is located at the corresponding position. It should be noted that, although not shown, in some embodiments, the appliance may include other sensors configured for different functions, such as sensors for sensing click actions as described above.

[0059] It should also be noted that, in Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve bearing 106 is constructed using a magnetic material. One purpose of using a magnetic material to construct the sleeve bearing 106 is to achieve a click action of the disclosed knob assembly 100. For example, the magnetic material included in the sleeve bearing 106 may have a magnetic polarity opposite to that of the control magnet 114 (e.g., in certain portions of the control magnet) or the sleeve bearing, and thus may attract the control magnet 114 to the bottom of the sleeve bearing 106 (i.e., the top of the cavity formed by the substrate base 102 and the bearing retainer 104). The magnetic attraction can be overcome by a click action applied to the cap 110, which pushes the control magnet 114 away from the bottom of the sleeve bearing 106. In some embodiments, once the force applied to the cap is removed, the magnetic attraction between the magnetic material included in the sleeve bearing 106 and the control magnet 114 can automatically pull the cap upward. In some embodiments, an audible click sound can be heard when movement of the rotatable / clickable portion of the knob assembly is blocked by the static portion of the knob assembly.

[0060] Return to reference Figure 3 In some embodiments, a gap 310 exists between the top surface of the bearing retainer / sleeve bearing and the corresponding portion of the cap and / or shaft. This provides space for the cap 110 to move up / down during the clicking action. As previously mentioned, additional space is also configured for moving the control magnet up and down.

[0061] In practical applications, cap 110 can be pushed downwards a limited distance (e.g., 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, or another different value). The exact distance the cap can be pushed downwards is limited by the clearance between the cap / shaft and the bearing retainer / sleeve bearing, such as... Figure 3 As can be seen, and / or may be limited by the space of the control magnet configured for movement within the chamber, as previously described.

[0062] Figure 5 A bottom view of a portion of a coupled electrical appliance according to some embodiments is further shown. As shown, the coupled electrical appliance may include a magnetic sensor 304 located below the surface of the appliance, the magnetic sensor being as follows: Figure 5 The angle sensor shown could be another different sensor, such as a sensor for detecting click actions. In some embodiments, the control magnet 114 included in the knob assembly 100 can be magnetized across its diameter, allowing it to be detected by a magnetic sensor located below the surface of the coupled appliance (e.g., below the cooktop glass). Figure 5 The angle sensor shown detects the direction of the field, similar to a compass.

[0063] like Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments, an angle sensor or another different sensor 304 included in the coupled electrical appliance may be coupled to a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) containing the necessary electronic components to enable the board to function as needed in angle detection and / or click action detection, and other possible functions. In some embodiments, the sensor may be a Hall effect sensor that can determine the strength and direction of a magnetic field and determine the rotational and vertical positions of the knob 110 by determining the orientation and position of the attached magnet 102.

[0064] Similarly, Figure 5 As shown, in addition to sensor 304, there is a set of coupling magnets 302 disposed below the top surface of the coupled appliance. When the knob assembly is placed onto the coupled appliance, this set of coupling magnets 302 disposed below facilitates alignment of the knob assembly 100. In one example, the coupled appliance may include multiple coupling magnets with alternating polarities, similar to the coupling magnets included in the knob assembly. Furthermore, the polarities of two corresponding coupling magnets within the substrate base and the coupled appliance are different. For example, once aligned, the upper portion of coupling magnet 302 differs from the lower portion of the corresponding coupling magnet 108.

[0065] Figure 6 A general view of an example knob assembly 100 seated on an electrical surface according to some embodiments is further shown. As shown, the knob assembly 100 may have a circular cover member, similar to... Figures 1 to 5 The knob assembly in the illustrated embodiment. Additionally... Figure 6 The bottom edge of the sidewall of the cover cap 110 of the knob assembly shown is a distance from the bottom surface of the substrate base 102 along the extension direction of the sidewall from the top of the cover cap toward the bottom edge, thereby providing space for the clicking action of the rotatable / clickable cap portion of the knob assembly. Also as... Figure 6 As shown, since the projection of the bottom edge of the cover cap 110 is greater than the projection of the base plate 102 on the electrical surface when the knob assembly is placed on the electrical surface, the base plate 102 is smaller than the cover member in the plan view.

[0066] It should be noted that, in Figures 1 to 6 The size and shape of the substrate base 102 and the size, shape, and height of the cover cap 110 shown are for illustrative purposes only and are intended to be limiting. In practical applications, many variations exist that can be configured for the cover cap and substrate base.

[0067] It should also be noted that, although Figures 1 to 6Using a cooktop as an example application in the illustrated embodiment, the disclosed knob assembly 100 is not limited to this application. In one example, the disclosed knob assembly can be applied to a microwave oven for heating food using electromagnetic waves. In this application scenario, the knob touch area of ​​the microwave oven (e.g., the desired location where the knob assembly is intended to be placed) may include one or more magnetic sensors for sensing click or rotation actions achievable with the disclosed knob assembly, which can then be used to adjust the operating time and / or heating intensity of the coupled microwave oven. As another example, the disclosed knob assembly can be applied to a refrigerator for storing food. In this application scenario, a knob touch area can be provided on the closed surface of the refrigerator, which can be used to adjust the cooling temperature or level of different refrigeration / freezing sections included in the refrigerator.

[0068] It should be further noted that although the knob assembly 100 is shown in the illustrated embodiment as being placed on a flat, horizontal surface on top of the oven, in practical applications, the disclosed knob assembly 100 can be placed on any particular surface (e.g., the vertical surface of a microwave oven) at any particular angle.

[0069] Additionally, although no markings / labels are shown on the surface of the coupled appliance and the knob assembly 100, in practical applications, certain markings or labels may be present on the knob assembly and / or the surface of the appliance. These markings or labels allow for better alignment of the knob assembly with the control unit below the surface of the coupled appliance, and / or allow for better operation of the disclosed knob assembly (e.g., temperature markings, heating level markings, etc.).

[0070] In some embodiments, multiple knob assemblies 100 can be configured for a single appliance, each knob assembly being independently configured to perform the same or different functions. For example, for a cooktop including multiple burners, each burner may have a corresponding knob assembly 100. Alternatively, the multiple burners may share the same knob assembly, thereby saving space on the cooktop for cooking purposes. As another example, for an induction cooktop, a single knob assembly may be configured to control both heating temperature and heating time based on the configuration of a control unit (e.g., a PCBA included in the control unit). In one possible example, rotation of the knob assembly 100 when it is not pushed can control the heating temperature, and rotation of the knob assembly when it is pushed and then rotated can alternatively control the cooking time, or vice versa. Other combinations of different control functions (e.g., combining cooking time with power levels in a microwave oven, etc.) can also be achieved using a single knob assembly.

[0071] Additionally, in some embodiments, the knob assembly 100 can be configured to allow multiple clicks, depending on the configuration of the sensor 304 included in the coupled appliance. This allows the control magnet 114 to control more functions of the coupled appliance. For example, a single click can control the on / off state of the coupled oven, while two clicks can control the on / off state of the light / fan for the coupled oven. In some embodiments, three clicks may be available to control additional functions of the coupled appliance, and the exact number of clicks configured for the coupled appliance is not limited in this disclosure.

[0072] Now for reference Figure 7 The present disclosure further describes a flowchart of an example assembly process 700 for fabricating a knob assembly according to some embodiments thereof. Assembly process 700 ensures appropriate functionality, including smooth rotation and accurate detection of user actions such as clicks. Specific details of assembly process 700 are as follows.

[0073] Step 702 refers to the process of attaching the pivot 112 to the cover cap 110. This includes attaching the pivot 112 to the inside of the cover cap 110 using screws 118. During this process, an inspection should be performed to ensure that the pivot 112 is securely fixed to prevent wobbling.

[0074] Step 704 refers to the process of securing the sleeve bearing 106 to the bearing retainer 104. This includes inserting the sleeve bearing 106 into the central hollow portion of the bearing retainer 104. During this process, an inspection should be performed to ensure that the sleeve bearing 106 is securely placed in the central cavity of the bearing retainer 104. It should also be checked that the bottom of the sleeve bearing 106 is flush with the inner surface (i.e., the bottom surface of the recess 308).

[0075] Step 706 refers to the process of fixing the control magnet 114. For example, from... Figure 3 As can be seen, the control magnet 114 can have a diameter larger than the inner cavity of the sleeve bearing 106. Therefore, the control magnet 114 can be fastened from the bottom of the sleeve bearing 106 to the bottom of the shaft 112. In other words, the control magnet 114 should first be secured to the bottom of the shaft 112 before the bearing retainer 104 is attached to the base plate 102. For example, the shaft 112 can be inserted into the sleeve bearing 106 after the sleeve bearing 106 is secured to the bearing retainer 104, which allows the control magnet 114 to be fastened to the lower portion (e.g., portion 122) of the shaft 112 by threaded screws 116, such as... Figure 3 As shown. During this process, checks should be performed to ensure that the sleeve bearing 106 allows for smooth movement of the shaft 112.

[0076] Step 708 refers to the process of preparing the static base. Specifically, this process includes inserting the coupling magnet 120 into its designated placement seat 202, thereby ensuring alternating polarity (N / S alignment). This ensures that the assembled knob is properly aligned with the electrical coupling magnet in the control unit of the coupled electrical appliance. After the insertion of the coupling magnet 120, a small amount of grease is then applied to the top and bottom surfaces of the bearing retainer to reduce friction.

[0077] Step 710 refers to the process of securing the bearing retainer 104. This includes attaching the bearing retainer 104 to the substrate base 102 using screws 120. The screws 120 can be inserted from the bottom of the substrate base 102. During this process, checks should be performed to ensure that the control magnet 114 can move up and down and rotate within the cavity formed by the bearing retainer 104 and the substrate base 102. Checks should also be performed to ensure that the control magnet 114 is precisely aligned with the electrical sensor for accurate detection of rotation and click.

[0078] It should be noted that the assembly process 700 described above is merely an example process for assembling the knob assembly 100 disclosed herein. In some embodiments, depending on the specific fixing mechanism, other different assembly processes may be used instead. For example, if the screws used to secure the bearing retainer 104 to the substrate base 102 are inserted from the bearing retainer side, and the screws used to secure the shaft 112 to the cap are inserted from the top surface of the cap, the assembly process may differ from the process 700 described above. In some embodiments, if screws are not used to secure the bearing retainer 104 to the substrate base 102 or to the shaft 112 to the cap 110, the assembly process for the disclosed knob assembly may also differ. Therefore, this disclosure does not limit the specific process used to prepare the disclosed knob assembly, as long as the assembled knob can achieve the intended rotation and clicking action and can also be detachably attached to the surface of the coupled electrical appliance.

[0079] The foregoing description illustrates the different components in the disclosed knob assembly 100, which may be combined as a single component or operated in combination with each other; however, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. That is, all components may be selectively combined and operated as one or more components unless beyond the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, each of all components may be implemented as independent hardware, or some or all of these components may be selectively combined and implemented as a computer program (e.g., a program included in a PCBA) having program modules that perform some or all of the functions combined in one or more hardware components.

[0080] Furthermore, certain code and code segments constituting a computer program (e.g., a program included in a PCBA) can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. The computer program can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium for reading and execution by a computing unit (e.g., a processor), thereby implementing embodiments of this disclosure. A non-transitory computer-readable medium refers to a machine-readable medium that permanently or semi-permanently stores data, unlike registers, caches, or memories that store data for short periods. Specifically, various applications and programs can be stored in and provided via non-transitory computer-recordable media, such as CDs, DVDs, hard disks, Blu-ray discs, Universal Serial Bus (USB), memory cards, read-only memory (ROM), etc. Additionally, non-transitory computer-recordable media can be locally configured (e.g., within a PCBA) and / or remotely located (e.g., at cloud storage).

[0081] The computer program may include code to filter the output of sensor 304 to account for fluctuations in the magnetic field (e.g., due to the presence or orientation of nearby knobs, variations in magnetic flux in the system magnets due to temperature changes, or external magnetic flux sources). The computer program may also include code to account for manufacturing or operational tolerances (e.g., differences in magnetic flux among various magnets in the system) in order to set a threshold for actuation. The computer program may include code that derives calibration information from the manufacturing process or from system performance over time.

[0082] The knob assembly and coupled appliance disclosed herein can be integrated with other systems, such as Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Bluetooth (BT), or similar hardware, to uniquely identify the function or unlocking function of the attached knob (e.g., a knob with a unique RFID chip can enable an oven to operate, while the same knob without an RFID chip can prevent the oven from operating, even if the knobs are otherwise structurally identical). The unique information contained in the knob and queried via NFC, RFID, or BT systems can allow for the storage of additional codes that can extend functionality (e.g., purchasing a knob from a manufacturer with a unique code included in the coupled appliance and transmitted to the coupled appliance via BT can extend the functionality of the coupled appliance to add additional cooking modes or change the UI of the coupled appliance to match the color of the attached knob).

[0083] The knob assembly 100 can employ various methods to alter the feel of the knob when turned or pressed, including springs, sprockets, pawls, oil, grease, dampers, and other features. It is preferable to design systems with substantially similar designs that may or may not be visually indistinguishable, but offer different tactile sensations to the user (e.g., high damping versus light damping, or various numbers of pawls).

[0084] As described above, several embodiments have been shown and described. The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the inventive concept. This disclosure can be readily applied to other types of devices. Moreover, the description of the embodiments is intended to be illustrative and not limiting in scope, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0085] Throughout this specification, multiple instances can implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although the various operations of one or more methods are shown and described as separate operations, one or more of the operations can be performed simultaneously, and they do not need to be performed in the order shown. The structures and functionalities presented as separate components in the example configurations can be implemented as combined structures or components.

[0086] As used herein, any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0087] Some embodiments may use the expressions “coupled” and “connected” and their derivatives for description. For example, some embodiments may use the term “coupled” to describe two or more elements in direct physical or electrical contact. However, the term “coupled” may also mean two or more elements that are not in direct contact with each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other. Embodiments are not limited to this context.

[0088] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article of manufacture, or component that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article of manufacture, or component. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise to the contrary, “or” means inclusive “or” rather than exclusive “or.” For example, condition A or B is satisfied by either: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist). Additionally, “automatic” can refer to fully automatic or semi-automatic embodiments that involve user or operator control over certain aspects of the embodiments, depending on the implementation desired by those skilled in the art who practice the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0089] Additionally, the terms "a" or "an" are used to describe elements and components of the embodiments described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give the general meaning of the claimed invention. Unless clearly indicated otherwise, this description should be interpreted as including one or at least one, and the singular form includes the plural form as well.

[0090] Furthermore, sequential terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used simply for marking purposes in the description and claims, and should not be limited to referring to actions or items that occur in the stated order. Without departing from the scope of this disclosure, actions or items may be arranged in different orders, or may be performed in parallel or dynamically.

[0091] Upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that there are other alternative structures and functional designs for the systems described above. Therefore, while specific embodiments and applications have been shown and described, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise constructions and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, alterations, and variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made to the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A knob assembly for a coupled electrical appliance, the knob assembly comprising a base static portion and a movable cap portion, wherein: The static portion of the base includes a substrate base, a bearing retainer fixed to the substrate base, a sleeve bearing fixed to the bearing retainer, and a set of coupling magnets exposed between the bearing retainer and the substrate. The movable cap portion includes a cover cap, a pivot attached to the cover cap, and a control magnet fastened to the pivot; and The knob assembly can be detachably attached to the surface of the coupled electrical appliance.

2. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The substrate base includes a set of placement seats for holding the set of coupled magnets.

3. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The holder includes a circular recess for holding the coupled magnet.

4. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The substrate base further includes a first central recess for holding the control magnet.

5. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The first central recess includes an additional recess for retaining the screw head, the screw being used to fasten the control magnet to the shaft.

6. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The bearing retainer includes a second central recess for retaining the control magnet.

7. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The first central recess of the substrate base and the second central recess of the bearing retainer together form a chamber for holding the control magnet.

8. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The chamber has a height greater than that of the control magnet, allowing the control magnet to move upward and downward inside the chamber.

9. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The upper portions of adjacent coupled magnets have opposite polarities, and the lower portions of adjacent coupled magnets have opposite polarities.

10. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The sleeve bearing includes a flange portion that expands radially at the top portion of the sleeve bearing.

11. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The sleeve bearing is made of magnetic material.

12. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein, After the sleeve bearing is secured to the bearing retainer, the bottom edge of the sleeve bearing is flush with the surface of the second central recess.

13. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The shaft includes a cap, a flange, and a column extending from the cap.

14. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The flange includes a set of slots for retaining a screw for attaching the shaft to the cover cap.

15. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The column has a height greater than that of the sleeve bearing.

16. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The column includes a retaining hole at one end for receiving a screw used to secure the control magnet to the shaft.

17. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The cap includes a central extension that extends in one direction.

18. The knob assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The bottom edge of the sidewall of the cap is a distance from the bottom surface of the substrate base along the extension direction of the sidewall from the top of the cap toward the bottom edge.

19. An electrical appliance coupled to a detachable knob assembly, the electrical appliance comprising: A set of coupled magnets; as well as One or more magnetic sensors are disposed below the surface of the electrical appliance, wherein: The upper portions of adjacent coupled magnets have opposite polarities, and the lower portions of adjacent coupled magnets have opposite polarities. The magnet sensor can detect one or more of the rotational or clicking motions of the control magnet located inside the detachable knob assembly.

20. A method for assembling a knob assembly, the method comprising: Attach the hinge to the cap; Secure the sleeve bearing to the bearing retainer; A control magnet is fixed to the rotating shaft, wherein the rotating shaft includes a rod inserted into the inner cavity of the sleeve bearing and a fixing hole for receiving a screw for fixing the control magnet to the rotating shaft; A set of coupled magnets is inserted into the corresponding placement seats on the surface of the substrate base; as well as The bearing retainer is fixed to the base plate.

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