Closure Element Touch Interface for Accidental Activation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household appliance human-machine interfaces (HMIs) face issues with accidental activation due to the placement of touch-sensitive elements on movable closure elements like doors or lids, and the integration of electrical components limits the form factor and aesthetics of these interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A design where the HMI includes a first portion with non-touch sensitive display elements on the housing and a second portion with an electrically conductive, touch-sensitive layer on the closure element, which is registered with the displays when closed, allowing for user input and separating the touch-sensitive area from the display elements to prevent accidental activation and improve aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If touch-sensitive elements are placed on the closure element, then user input capability is improved, but accidental activation occurs when the closure element is moved
Solution Approach 1:
The HMI is divided into two separate portions: a first portion with display elements on the housing and a second portion with touch-sensitive elements on the closure element. This segmentation allows the touch-sensitive area to be physically separated from the display elements when the closure element is open, preventing accidental activation while maintaining touch input capability when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive interface is designed to be dynamic, changing its state based on the position of the closure element. When the closure element is closed, the touch-sensitive area is in register with the display elements for normal operation. When the closure element is opened, the touch-sensitive area moves away from the display elements, automatically disabling input functionality to prevent accidental activation.
2Ease of operation
If electrical components are integrated into the closure element, then touch input functionality is achieved, but the form factor and aesthetics are limited
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the display elements (first portion) from the touch-sensitive elements (second portion), the design allows each component to be optimized independently. The display elements can be positioned on the housing where they do not interfere with the closure element's movement or aesthetics, while the touch-sensitive elements are placed only on the closure element's surface, maintaining a clean and integrated appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive interface utilizes the surface of the closure element itself as the interface medium, rather than adding bulky electrical components. The electrically conductive layer is applied as a thin coating on the closure element's surface, maintaining the original form factor and aesthetic appearance while enabling touch functionality.
3Shape
If the touch-sensitive area is in register with display elements when closed, then integrated appearance is improved, but accidental activation risk increases when moved
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the alignment between the touch-sensitive area and display elements based on the closure element's position. When closed, they are in register for an integrated appearance. When opened, the relative movement causes misalignment, automatically preventing accidental input while maintaining the integrated appearance when closed.
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 solution enhances user safety by preventing accidental activation and improves the aesthetics of household appliances by allowing for a more integrated and visually appealing touch-sensitive interface that is compatible across different models, while also enabling wireless communication to reduce mechanical and water ingress issues.
Implementation Method 1
the second portion including an electrically conductive layer having a touch-sensitive area corresponding to the display elements
Data Source
AI summary
A household appliance includes a housing; a treating chamber located within the housing and having an access opening; a closure element movable relative to the access opening between opened and closed positions to selectively provide access to the treating chamber through the access opening; a controller associated with the housing and implementing a treating cycle on at least one item in the treating chamber; and a human-machine interface. The HMI includes a first portion associated with the housing and a second portion associated with the closure element. The first portion includes non-touch sensitive indicia. The second portion includes an electrically conductive layer having a touch-sensitive area corresponding to the indicia of the first portion and is arranged to be in register with a corresponding selection area when the closure element is in the closed position.