Method for actuating an operating device, wherein at least one correction value is determined, operating device and domestic appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices for household appliances, such as capacitive sensing apparatuses, are prone to errors due to disturbance variables like leakage currents, temperature drift, and production tolerances, which affect the accuracy of angle determination and reliability of actuation.
Innovation Solution
A method and operating device that senses capacitance values using a capacitive sensing apparatus, where correction values are determined based on the first capacitance value during the first actuation type, allowing for reliable adaptation and compensation of disturbance variables, enabling accurate angular sensing and actuation, particularly through a push-rotate mechanism with a restoring apparatus and multiple stator sensor elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a capacitive sensing apparatus is used to sense capacitance values for determining the position of the operating element, then the actuation of the operating device can be implemented, but disturbance variables such as leakage currents, temperature drift, and production tolerances significantly falsify the capacitance measurement results, causing considerable errors in angle determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a correction measurement in a first actuation state (e.g., operating element in initial position) before the actual position measurement. During this correction measurement, capacitance values are sensed and correction values are calculated to compensate for disturbance variables. These correction values are then stored and applied during subsequent position measurements to eliminate the influence of leakage currents, temperature drift, and production tolerances, thereby improving measurement precision without compromising ease of operation.
2Reliability
If correction values are determined to compensate for disturbance variables, then the reliability of angle determination is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional correction measurements and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the capacitive sensing apparatus to serve multiple functions: it performs both correction measurements (to determine correction values for disturbance variable compensation) and actual position measurements (to determine the operating element position). The same sensing apparatus, control unit, and capacitance values are used for both purposes, eliminating the need for separate correction devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability of angle determination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple capacitance values are sensed for different actuation types, then both the first function (on/off) and second function (value setting) can be actuated, but the determination of correction parameters is not possible in the static state without previous knowledge of the rotational angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the conventional approach: instead of trying to determine correction parameters during normal operation when the rotational angle is unknown, the system performs a correction measurement in a predetermined first actuation state (e.g., operating element in initial position) where the position is known. This allows correction values to be calculated and stored beforehand, which are then applied during subsequent position measurements for both first and second actuation types, enabling versatile function actuation while simplifying correction parameter determination.
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
This approach minimizes the disruptive influence of disturbance variables, ensuring reliable and accurate actuation and sensing of the operating element, allowing for precise control of power levels or gas flow in household appliances like gas hobs, with improved reliability and reduced misinterpretation of capacitance values.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first capacitance value of the operating device is sensed by means of a capacitive sensing apparatus of the operating device
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for operating an operating device for a household appliance, an operating element of the operating device is actuated with a first actuation type from a first resting position to a first operating position to set a first function of the household appliance. A setting parameter of a second function of the household appliance is set by actuating the operating element with a second type of actuation different from the first type of actuation from a second resting position into at least one of a plurality of intermediate positions of the operating element. The first function of the household appliance is actuated in response to a sensing of a first capacitance value of the operating device, and a second capacitance value is sensed while taking into account a correction value in dependence on the sensed first capacitance value for determining the setting parameter of the second function.