A stove for visually impaired people

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of kitchen stoves, and discloses a stove for the visually impaired, characterized in that the stove comprises a machine body, a knob and a Braille array structure, the knob and the Braille array structure are arranged on an operation panel of the machine body, the knob is used for selecting a fire power gear, the knob and the Braille array structure are in transmission connection, and the Braille array structure can be pushed to make a target Braille extend relative to the operation panel under the rotation action of the knob. Through cooperation of the Braille array structure and the knob, the visually impaired can easily perceive and control the fire power, do not need to rely on voice broadcast or other auxiliary tools, the cooking convenience and independence of the visually impaired are improved, and a more friendly and convenient cooking experience is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of kitchen stove technology, and in particular to a stove for visually impaired people. Background Technology

[0002] Current cooktop designs for visually impaired individuals have significant shortcomings. Existing technologies primarily employ two approaches: one is cooktops with intelligent control systems, allowing cooking through manual control of power levels or intelligent adjustment of heat. However, this approach is essentially designed for the convenience of ordinary users rather than specifically addressing the needs of the visually impaired, resulting in limited intelligence and a lack of advanced features such as food recommendations and automatic temperature control. The other approach uses voice prompts to provide cooking information; however, in real-world cooking environments, background noise severely impacts the clarity of these prompts, and continuous temperature alerts can easily cause user frustration. Neither of these existing technologies effectively addresses the core problem faced by visually impaired users during cooking: the inability to intuitively perceive the heat level. The knob design and visual displays of ordinary cooktops are completely unsuitable for visually impaired users, while the reliability of voice prompts in noisy kitchen environments is questionable, and the continuous expression of temperature information also suffers from experiential deficiencies. These technological shortcomings severely restrict the possibility of visually impaired individuals independently and safely performing cooking operations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a stove for visually impaired individuals, comprising a body, a knob, and a Braille array structure. Both the knob and the Braille array structure are mounted on the control panel of the body. The knob is used to select the power level, and the knob and the Braille array structure are connected by a transmission mechanism. The Braille array structure can push the target Braille characters to extend relative to the control panel under the rotation of the knob.

[0004] Preferably, the stove further includes a gear position detection device and a controller. The gear position detection device is located near the knob and electrically connected to the controller. The gear position detection device is used to identify the gear position information of the knob. The controller can control the Braille array structure to display the target Braille based on the gear position information.

[0005] Preferably, the Braille array structure includes multiple electromagnetic actuators arranged in an array, one end of each electromagnetic actuator is electrically connected to the controller, and the other end of each electromagnetic actuator can extend relative to the operation panel based on a pop-out signal from the controller.

[0006] Preferably, the Braille array structure includes a 2×3 dot matrix arrangement, each dot matrix is ​​connected to the electromagnetic push rod, and the extended state of the electromagnetic push rod corresponds to the display of the target Braille; The height of the pin protrusions in the dot matrix is ​​between 1mm and 2mm.

[0007] Preferably, each of the electromagnetic push rods has a buffer pad at its extended end to reduce impact noise during tactile feedback.

[0008] Preferably, the cooktop also includes multiple microswitches, and the knob has multiple raised contacts arranged in a ring inside, each of the raised contacts corresponding to each of the microswitches. The microswitches are electrically connected to the controller, and the controller can control the Braille array structure to display the target Braille based on the first gear information of the microswitches.

[0009] Preferably, the cooktop further includes an infrared receiver and multiple infrared emitters. The infrared emitters are disposed at one end of the knob embedded in the body and surround the outer periphery of the knob. The number of infrared emitters corresponds to the knob's settings. The infrared receiver can receive signals from the infrared emitters. The controller can control the Braille array structure to display the target Braille based on the second setting information of the infrared receiver.

[0010] Preferably, the number of infrared receiving tubes corresponds to the number of infrared emitting tubes, and each infrared receiving tube is disposed on the outer periphery of each infrared emitting tube.

[0011] Preferably, the cooktop further includes a temperature detector disposed on the cookware and / or the range hood to detect the current temperature of the cooktop, and the controller is able to control the Braille array structure to display the target Braille based on the current temperature.

[0012] Preferably, a damping structure is provided between the knob and the body to generate a gear shift feel when the knob is turned.

[0013] Based on the above technical solution, the stove for visually impaired people described in this application has the following beneficial effects: Through the combination of Braille array structure and knobs, visually impaired people can easily perceive and control the heat level without relying on voice broadcasts or other assistive tools, thereby improving their cooking convenience and independence and providing a more user-friendly and convenient cooking experience. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of each position of the Braille array structure provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the Braille array structure provided in the embodiments of this application (left is retracted, right is popped out).

[0017] Figure 3 This is a preferred embodiment of the knob and Braille array transmission mechanism provided in this application.

[0018] Figure 4 This is another preferred embodiment of the knob and Braille array transmission mechanism provided in this application.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the controller and the Braille array structure provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0020] The following are the labels in the attached diagram: 1. Knob; 2. Infrared emitting tube; 3. Infrared receiving tube; 4. Micro switch; 5. Paddle. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] The term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of this application. In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. Moreover, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0023] like Figures 1-5As shown in the figure, this application discloses a stove for visually impaired people, which includes a body, a knob 1 and a Braille array structure. The knob 1 and the Braille array structure are both disposed on the operation panel of the body. The knob 1 is used to select the fire level. The knob 1 and the Braille array structure are connected by transmission. The Braille array structure can push the target Braille to extend relative to the operation panel under the rotation of the knob 1.

[0024] Understandably, the Braille array structure can push the target Braille dots out relative to the control panel under the rotation of knob 1, thereby forming tactile Braille numbers and realizing tactile feedback for the power level. Specifically, the transmission connection between knob 1 and the Braille array allows the rotation of knob 1 to directly drive the output of the Braille array. When the user rotates knob 1 to select different power levels, the Braille array will display the corresponding Braille numbers, allowing visually impaired people to perceive the power level through touch.

[0025] In this embodiment, the Braille array structure adopts a pop-up design. When the user needs to view the firepower information, the Braille array structure will extend relative to the operation panel, making it convenient for the user to touch and read the Braille information.

[0026] Therefore, through the combination of the Braille array structure and knob 1, visually impaired people can easily perceive and control the heat level without relying on voice broadcasts or other assistive tools, thereby improving their cooking convenience and independence and providing a more user-friendly and convenient cooking experience.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the stove further includes a gear position detection device and a controller. The gear position detection device is located near the knob 1 and electrically connected to the controller. The gear position detection device is used to identify the gear position information of the knob 1. The controller can control the Braille array structure to display the target Braille based on the gear position information.

[0028] Understandably, the gear position detection device is used to monitor the position of knob 1 in real time and transmit the gear position information of knob 1 to the controller. After receiving the gear position information, the controller will control the Braille array structure to display the Braille numbers corresponding to the gear position according to the preset rules and procedures.

[0029] As can be seen, the gear position detection component can accurately identify the gear position information of knob 1, avoiding errors caused by human error or misreading, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of control; the controller can perform more complex calculations and controls based on the gear position information, thereby enhancing the intelligence of the stove and providing a more convenient and intelligent cooking experience for visually impaired people.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the Braille array structure includes multiple electromagnetic actuators arranged in an array. One end of each electromagnetic actuator is electrically connected to the controller, and the other end of each electromagnetic actuator can extend relative to the operation panel based on a pop-out signal from the controller.

[0031] Understandably, the electromagnetic actuator, as the execution unit of the Braille array structure, can independently control the extension and retraction of each Braille character under the drive of the controller. Through the precise movement of the electromagnetic actuator, different Braille numbers or symbols can be dynamically combined to meet the multi-point tactile recognition needs of visually impaired people for information such as fire intensity and temperature values.

[0032] Furthermore, the electromagnetic actuator features a rapid response, quickly popping up or retracting the Braille dots after the controller sends a signal, thus enabling real-time information feedback. In addition, the electromagnetic actuator has a stable structure and reliable operation, making it less prone to mechanical jamming or malfunction, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the Braille display.

[0033] In this embodiment, the electromagnetic push rod array can be flexibly combined, so it can not only be used to display the fire level number, but also be expanded to display richer content such as temperature value, fault prompts, and operation instructions, thereby enhancing the intelligence and interactivity of the stove.

[0034] As a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the Braille array structure includes a 2×3 dot matrix arrangement, each dot matrix is ​​connected to the electromagnetic push rod, and the extended state of the electromagnetic push rod corresponds to the display of the target Braille.

[0035] Understandably, a 2×3 dot matrix arrangement can be combined to form decimal numbers 0-9, thus satisfying the needs of 0-9 power levels. Here, 0 represents the stove being off and 9 represents the maximum heat, meeting the user's Braille display needs for information such as heat level and temperature.

[0036] Understandably, each dot matrix connected to an electromagnetic actuator allows for independent control of the dot matrix, enabling the flexible display of different Braille numbers or symbols, thus improving the efficiency and accuracy of information recognition for visually impaired users. Furthermore, the connection method between the dot matrix and the electromagnetic actuator ensures the stability and reliability of the dot matrix, preventing it from detaching or being damaged.

[0037] As a preferred embodiment, the height of the pin protrusions of the dot matrix is ​​between 1mm and 2mm, preferably 1.2mm, which can provide moderate tactile feedback, allowing users to clearly feel the Braille dots without causing discomfort or accidental touches.

[0038] As a preferred embodiment, each of the electromagnetic push rods has a buffer pad at its extended end to reduce impact noise during tactile feedback.

[0039] In this embodiment, the buffer pad is a silicone buffer pad.

[0040] As a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the stove also includes multiple microswitches 4. The knob 1 has multiple protruding contacts arranged in a ring inside. Each protruding contact corresponds to each microswitch 4. The microswitches 4 are electrically connected to the controller. The controller can control the Braille array structure to display the target Braille based on the first gear information of the microswitches 4.

[0041] It is understandable that the annular protruding contacts inside the knob 1 correspond one-to-one with the micro switch 4. When the knob 1 is rotated to different gears, the corresponding paddle 5 will press down the corresponding micro switch 4 and send a signal. After receiving these signals, the controller can accurately identify the gear position of the knob 1.

[0042] Understandably, the microswitch 4 is characterized by reliable operation and fast response, ensuring accurate transmission of gear position information and avoiding errors caused by accidental human touch or interference. Furthermore, by recognizing the gear position information through the microswitch 4, the controller can eliminate the need for complex knob angle calculations or encoding conversions, simplifying the design and implementation of the control system. This allows the controller to perform calculations and control based on the gear position information, enhancing the intelligence of the stove and providing a more convenient and intelligent cooking experience for visually impaired individuals.

[0043] In this embodiment of the application, the control module is also used to detect fault status and display fault codes on the Braille array module.

[0044] In this embodiment of the application, the controller refreshes the output state of the Braille array structure at a period of 10ms to ensure that the tactile feedback delay does not exceed 50ms.

[0045] As a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the stove also includes an infrared receiver 3 and multiple infrared emitters 2. The infrared emitters 2 are disposed at one end of the knob 1 embedded in the body and are arranged around the outer periphery of the knob 1. The number of infrared emitters 2 corresponds to the gear position of the knob 1. The infrared receiver 3 can receive the signal from the infrared emitters 2. The controller can control the Braille array structure to display the target Braille based on the second gear position information of the infrared receiver 3.

[0046] Understandably, the infrared emitting tubes 2 are arranged around the outer periphery of the knob 1, with the number corresponding to the knob 1's settings. When the knob 1 is rotated to different settings, the infrared emitting tubes 2 of the corresponding settings will emit infrared signals, which will be received by the infrared receiving tubes 3.

[0047] Understandably, infrared signals have a fast transmission speed and short response time, enabling rapid identification of gear information and improving user experience.

[0048] In this embodiment, the number of infrared receiving tubes 3 corresponds to the number of infrared emitting tubes 2, and each infrared receiving tube 3 is correspondingly disposed on the outer periphery of each infrared emitting tube 2.

[0049] Understandably, each infrared emitter 2 corresponds to one infrared receiver 3, and the receiver is positioned on the outer periphery of the emitter. This ensures that the infrared signal for each gear setting is received independently and accurately. This one-to-one correspondence avoids signal crosstalk or misjudgment, improving the accuracy of gear selection. Simultaneously, it reduces interference from external light sources or other infrared signals, optimizes the signal transmission path, and enhances the stove's anti-interference capability. Furthermore, since each infrared emitter 2 and receiver corresponds to one gear setting, the controller can directly determine the gear position of knob 1 based on the received signal, eliminating the need for complex signal processing or decoding algorithms, simplifying the control logic, and improving response speed.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the cooktop further includes a temperature detector disposed on the cookware and / or the range hood to detect the current temperature of the cooktop, and the controller is able to control the Braille array structure to display the target Braille based on the current temperature.

[0051] In this embodiment of the application, the temperature detector is a temperature sensor.

[0052] In this embodiment, the temperature detector can be placed inside the pot, or a pot with a temperature detector can be used directly, or a temperature detector installed on a range hood or stove can be used. The key is the design of the receiving end. The stove can receive the temperature value processed by the temperature detector and send it to the controller, thereby displaying the specific temperature value in the form of a Braille array structure, or providing feedback to the public in the form of text, such as low temperature, medium temperature, and high temperature, to provide feedback on the real-time temperature inside the pot.

[0053] It is understandable that visually impaired users often have difficulty accurately judging the temperature inside the pot during cooking, which can easily lead to dangers such as burning, overflowing, or excessively high oil temperature. Therefore, by using a Braille array structure to provide real-time temperature feedback, users can adjust the heat or take countermeasures in a timely manner, effectively improving the safety and control precision of cooking.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, a damping structure is provided between the knob 1 and the body to generate a gear shift feel when the knob 1 is rotated.

[0055] Understandably, the damping structure creates a distinct "stick" or "step" at each setting during rotation of knob 1. Users can determine whether knob 1 has been rotated to the target setting through touch, without relying on sight or hearing. This design compensates for the lack of visual feedback for visually impaired users, improving operational accuracy. Furthermore, the damping structure provides knob 1 with moderate damping force, making rotation smooth yet tactile, avoiding discomfort caused by excessive looseness or tightness, thus enhancing the overall user experience and allowing for more relaxed and precise adjustment of heat. Moreover, because there is clear damping feedback between each setting, users are less likely to accidentally turn past the target setting due to accidental touch or external interference, reducing the risk of incorrect heat or temperature adjustments and improving cooking safety and controllability.

[0056] Understandably, the damping structure and the Braille array structure form a dual feedback mechanism: users can perceive changes in the speed setting through the tactile feedback of knob 1, and also confirm the specific value through the pop-up contact of the Braille array structure. This multimodal feedback method further enhances the reliability of the cooktop and the user's comprehensive perception of its status.

[0057] The foregoing description has fully disclosed the specific embodiments of this application. It should be noted that any modifications made by those skilled in the art to the specific embodiments of this application do not depart from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the scope of the claims of this application is not limited to the foregoing specific embodiments.

Claims

1. A stove for visually impaired people, characterized in that, It includes a body, a knob, and a Braille array structure. Both the knob and the Braille array structure are located on the operation panel of the body. The knob is used to select the fire level. The knob and the Braille array structure are connected by a transmission. The Braille array structure can push the target Braille to extend relative to the operation panel under the rotation of the knob.

2. The stove for visually impaired people according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stove also includes a gear position detection device and a controller. The gear position detection device is located near the knob and electrically connected to the controller. The gear position detection device is used to identify the gear position information of the knob. The controller can control the Braille array structure to display the target Braille based on the gear position information.

3. The stove for visually impaired people according to claim 2, characterized in that, The Braille array structure includes multiple electromagnetic actuators arranged in an array. One end of each electromagnetic actuator is electrically connected to the controller, and the other end of each electromagnetic actuator can extend relative to the operation panel based on a pop-out signal from the controller.

4. The stove for visually impaired people according to claim 3, characterized in that, The Braille array structure includes a 2×3 dot matrix arrangement, each dot matrix is ​​connected to the electromagnetic push rod, and the extended state of the electromagnetic push rod corresponds to the display of the target Braille; The height of the pin protrusions in the dot matrix is ​​between 1mm and 2mm.

5. The stove for visually impaired people according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the electromagnetic actuators has a buffer pad at its extended end to reduce impact noise during tactile feedback.

6. The stove for visually impaired people according to claim 2, characterized in that, The stove also includes multiple microswitches. The knob has multiple raised contacts arranged in a ring inside. Each raised contact corresponds to a microswitch. The microswitches are electrically connected to the controller. The controller can control the Braille array structure to display the target Braille based on the first gear information of the microswitches.

7. The stove for visually impaired people according to claim 2, characterized in that, The stove also includes an infrared receiver and multiple infrared emitters. The infrared emitters are located at one end of the knob embedded in the body and are arranged around the outer periphery of the knob. The number of infrared emitters corresponds to the knob's settings. The infrared receiver can receive signals from the infrared emitters. The controller can control the Braille array structure to display the target Braille based on the second setting information of the infrared receiver.

8. The stove for visually impaired people according to claim 7, characterized in that, The number of infrared receiver tubes corresponds to the number of infrared emitters, and each infrared receiver tube is disposed on the outer periphery of each infrared emitter tube.

9. The stove for visually impaired people according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cooktop also includes a temperature detector, which is installed on the cookware and / or the range hood to detect the current temperature of the cooktop. The controller can control the Braille array structure to display the target Braille based on the current temperature.

10. The stove for visually impaired people according to claim 1, characterized in that, A damping structure is also provided between the knob and the body to generate a gear shift feel when the knob is turned.

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