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, particularly those using capacitive detection, face significant errors due to interfering variables like leakage currents, temperature drift, aging, and manufacturing tolerances, which affect the reliability of angle detection and actuation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves recording a first capacitance value during actuation and determining a correction value to account for these variables, allowing for reliable detection of a second capacitance value and enabling precise actuation, using a capacitive detection device with a rotor and stator sensor elements, and incorporating a bandpass filter and comparator unit for accurate signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If capacitive detection is used to detect operating element position, then contactless actuation is enabled, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interfering variables like leakage currents and temperature drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a correction measurement in a known reference position (0° or 180°) before actual operation. The control unit stores correction values obtained from these preliminary measurements and uses them to compensate for interfering variables during subsequent capacitance measurements, thereby improving angle detection precision while maintaining contactless actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously comparing detected capacitance values against reference values and applying correction based on stored correction data. The control unit uses the difference between measured and reference capacitance values to calculate corrected angle positions, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for temperature drift and leakage currents
2Reliability
If correction values are determined dynamically during operation, then measurement reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the operating device to automatically perform its own calibration and correction without external intervention. The system autonomously measures capacitance values, compares them against reference data, calculates correction values, and applies them automatically, reducing the need for manual calibration and simplifying operation despite the underlying computational complexity
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 impact of disturbing influences, ensuring reliable angle detection and actuation, allowing for precise control of household appliance functions, such as power levels and gas flow, with increased reliability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first capacitance value of the operating device is detected using a capacitive detection device of the operating device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for actuating an operating device (4) for a domestic appliance (1), wherein: - by means of an operating element (5) of the operating device (4), a first function of the domestic appliance (1) is set by actuating the operating element (5) with a first actuation type (10) and a setting parameter of a second function of the domestic appliance (1) is set by actuating the operating element (5) with a second actuation type (11); - in order to actuate the first function of the domestic appliance (1), at least one first capacitance value (17a) of the operating device (4) is sensed by means of a capacitive sensing apparatus (12) of the operating device (4), and, in order to determine the setting parameter, at least one second capacitance value (17b) is sensed; - in the case of the first actuation type (10), the first capacitance value (17a) is sensed and a correction value (K) is determined in dependence on the sensed first capacitance value (17a), which correction value is taken into account in the determination of the second capacitance value (17b). The invention also relates to an operating device (5) and to a domestic appliance (1).