Capacitive Control Element Reconfiguration for Building Installations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control elements for building installations are inflexible and require hardware modifications for functional adjustments, making them inadequate for spaces with varying numbers and types of installations, and renovations often render them obsolete.
Innovation Solution
A parametrizable control element utilizing a capacitive area sensor and software-based parametrization to adjust operation functions, allowing flexible control of building installations without hardware changes, and incorporating a BUS or wireless interface for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control elements are provided with a fixed number of operating elements implemented via hardware, then the control element structure is simple and reliable, but the control element lacks flexibility and cannot adapt to varying numbers of building installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware-based operating elements with a capacitive area sensor that detects touch positions to generate operating signals. This substitution eliminates the need for physical buttons, rockers, or keys, allowing the control element to adapt to different numbers and types of building installations through software configuration rather than hardware modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of the capacitive area sensor by changing parameter sets that define operating fields, their positions, sizes, and functions. This allows the same physical control element to be reconfigured for different applications (e.g., controlling different numbers of installations) without any hardware changes, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining simple device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control elements are replaced due to renovation or changing installation requirements, then the control element can meet new requirements, but material and man hour resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control element based on a capacitive area sensor that can serve multiple functions and adapt to different building installation configurations. By configuring different parameter sets, the same control element can control varying numbers and types of installations, making it suitable for renovations without requiring replacement, thus reducing material and man hour resource waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability through software-based parameter sets that can be modified at runtime. This allows the control element to adapt to changing installation requirements during renovations or building lifecycle changes, extending the product lifecycle and avoiding premature replacement, thereby reducing resource waste.
3Loss of substance
If a single versatile control element is provided to reduce resources, then material and man hour are conserved, but the device complexity increases due to software parametrization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter sets as software templates or copies that define operating field configurations. These parameter sets can be stored, reused, and modified without changing the underlying hardware or sensor structure. This approach manages software complexity by using reusable configuration templates rather than requiring complex custom programming for each application scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages software complexity by using well-defined parameter sets that specify operating field properties (positions, sizes, functions). These parameters can be adjusted through standard configuration procedures or tools, making the software adaptable without requiring complex programming, thus balancing versatility with manageable software complexity.
4Ease of operation
If hardware components are used to implement operating elements, then the control element is reliable and easy to manufacture, but it cannot provide flexible adjustment of operation functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical operating elements (buttons, rockers, keys) with a capacitive area sensor that detects touch positions electronically. This substitution maintains ease of manufacture since the sensor is a single integrated component, while dramatically improving adjustability of operation functions through software-based parameter sets that can be configured without any manufacturing changes.
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
Enables versatile control of multiple installations with software adjustments, extending the control element's lifespan and reducing resource waste by avoiding hardware modifications.
Implementation Method 1
The control element has a capacitive area sensor spanning its entire area
Implementation Method 2
a light guide optically coupled to the plurality of LEDs
Data Source
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AI summary
A technique for a parametrizable control element (200) and a parametrization method (1000) for controlling at least one building installation by a user is provided. The control element comprises a capacitive area sensor (20), an interface unit (22) configured to receive a parameterization for the capacitive area sensor, the parametrization comprising at least one operation function, and a logic unit (24) configured to parametrize the capacitive area sensor according to the parameterization. When parametrized according to the parameterization, the capacitive area sensor (20) is configured to detect a user input to the at least one operation function the logic unit is (24) configured to convert the user input to the at least one operation function into a control signal for the at least one building installation.