Closed-Plate Operating Device with Capacitive Touch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices for electrically controllable actuators, such as light controls and blinds, are susceptible to dirt ingress due to open front designs, compromising their reliability and durability.
Innovation Solution
A closed-front operating device with a transparent or semi-transparent plate housing a display and an actuating element, where the actuating element is positioned between the plate and display, and a capacitive film is used to create intuitive control segments, preventing dirt ingress and enhancing protection of the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operating device has an open front design with an opening for the control knob, then the actuating element is accessible from the front, but dirt particles can penetrate the interior and impair device functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a continuously closed plate made of transparent or semi-transparent material that forms the front side of the operating device. This plate acts as a protective barrier preventing dirt ingress while allowing the actuating element to be actuated from the front. The plate integrates the display and capacitive film, creating a sealed yet accessible interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent plate serves as an intermediary between the external environment and the internal components. It allows optical signals to pass through for display visibility and capacitive touch input while physically blocking dirt particles from reaching the internal electronics and actuating mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the display is arranged behind a closed plate, then the display is protected from dirt and damage, but the actuating element must be transparent or semi-transparent to maintain usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display, capacitive film, and actuating element into a single integrated assembly behind the closed plate. The capacitive film serves both as part of the display structure and as the actuating element, eliminating the need for separate transparent components and reducing overall device complexity despite the transparency requirement.
3Ease of operation
If the actuating element overlaps with the display area, then intuitive handling is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex with multiple layered components
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive film is integrated directly with the display structure, with regions of the film representing actuating elements that overlap with display areas. This merging approach allows intuitive touch interaction while using a single layered assembly rather than separate components for display and actuation.
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 solution provides a reliable and safe operating device with improved protection against dirt, enhanced user interface, and adaptable brightness adjustment based on ambient conditions, ensuring effective control of actuators while maintaining device integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the operating device has a capacitive film, with a region or a segment of the film representing part of the actuating element or forming the actuating element as such
Implementation Method 2
the display comprises an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device (1) for controlling a plurality of electrically actuatable actuators, for example luminaires and/or blinds. The operating device (1) comprises means for sending control signals for controlling the actuators and at least one actuating element (2), the operating device (1) being designed to send a control signal when the actuating element (2) is actuated. The actuating element (2) is arranged such that it can be actuated from a front side (3) of the operating device (1). The operating device (1) further comprises a display (4) for supporting an operation of the operating device (1). The front side (3) of the operating device (1) is formed by a continuously closed plate, preferably made of glass; the display is thus arranged well-protected in a region of the operating device (1) located inside the plate. Between the plate and the display (4), a transparent capacitive film that is divided into segments may be arranged, one of the segments being used to implement the actuating element (2) and further segments being provided accordingly for other operating elements (2', 2'').