A room controller comprising a rotatable member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Room controllers face issues with static electricity induced by metal parts, which can cause defects and malfunctions in electronic components, and existing solutions do not provide a reliable and safe way to handle these issues while allowing for the use of metal components.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable member connected to a circuit board via a conductive plastic support member, which grounds the rotatable member to prevent static electricity from causing damage to electronic components, while allowing the use of metal parts for a comfortable and reliable user interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If metal parts are used in the rotatable member, then the user interface becomes more comfortable and reliable, but static electricity is induced which can cause defects and malfunctioning of electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface comfortVSAvoidstatic electricity damage to electronic components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive support member is introduced as an intermediary between the metal rotatable member and the circuit board. This support member provides a controlled grounding path that safely dissipates static electricity before it can reach and damage the electronic components on the circuit board, while still allowing the metal rotatable member to maintain its comfortable user interface properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The static electricity that is naturally induced by the metal rotatable member during rotation is converted from a harmful factor into a controlled phenomenon. By providing a dedicated grounding path through the conductive support member, the static charge is safely directed to ground, preventing damage to electronic components while allowing the metal construction to remain for user interface benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If the rotatable member is grounded to prevent static electricity, then electronic components are protected, but the design complexity increases with additional grounding components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of electronic componentsVSAvoidgrounding structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive support member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the rotatable member, enables rotational movement, provides a grounding path for static electricity, and structurally connects the rotatable member to the circuit board. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate grounding components, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining reliable protection of electronic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The grounding of the rotatable member via conductive plastic effectively shields electronic components from static electricity, ensuring safe and reliable operation of the room controller while enabling the use of metal parts for improved user experience.

Implementation Method 1

the rotatable member is rotatably connected to a circuit board of the room controller via a support member comprising conductive plastic. The conductive plastic enables providing a safe and secure grounding for the rotatable member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3637007B1A room controller comprising a rotatable member
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 PRODUAL OY
  • EP3637007B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3637007B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a room controller comprising a rotatable member, which is rotatable by a user for adjusting environmental conditions. A room controller comprises a circuit board (203) and a rotatable member (201) for controlling adjustment(s) of environmental conditions. The rotatable member (201) is rotatably connected to the circuit board (203) via a support member (202) comprising conductive plastic.