Coffee Machine Touch PCB Layout for Curved Front Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coffee machines with non-planar shapes face challenges in integrating touch-sensitive operating elements due to the poor suitability of commercially available surface-mounted device (SMD) components and capacitive touch sensors, leading to assembly difficulties and potential damage from deformation of signal lines.
Innovation Solution
A common printed circuit board with a flat logic center section and a deformable sensor section allows for the integration of touch sensors and logic means without damaging components, using a recess to isolate the logic center from deformation forces, enabling simple assembly and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a non-planar shape is chosen for the outer shape of coffee machines, then the aesthetic design and ergonomics are improved, but the integration of touch-sensitive operating elements becomes difficult and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board is divided into two functional sections: a planar logic means section for mounting electronic components and a non-planar sensor section for touch detection. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently - the planar section for reliable component assembly and the non-planar section for aesthetic integration with the curved front panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the logic means and touch sensors onto a single printed circuit board, eliminating the need for separate boards and long signal lines. This integration reduces the number of plug connections and contact points, simplifying assembly while maintaining the non-planar external shape.
2Ease of manufacture
If commercially available SMD components are used on non-planar surfaces, then standardization and ease of manufacture are improved, but component reliability and signal line integrity deteriorate due to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board is segmented into a planar logic means section where SMD components are mounted on a flat surface, and a non-planar sensor section that can be deformed. This ensures that standardized SMD components are always assembled on a stable, planar surface while allowing the sensor portion to adapt to the curved front panel shape.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the printed circuit board have different geometric properties - the logic means section maintains planarity for reliable component mounting, while the sensor section is designed to be non-planar and deformable. This local differentiation allows each region to fulfill its specific function optimally.
3Adaptability or versatility
If touch sensors and logic means are arranged on separate printed circuit boards, then component layout flexibility is improved, but device complexity and assembly effort increase due to additional signal lines and plug connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch sensors and logic means onto a single printed circuit board, eliminating the need for separate boards, long signal lines, and multiple plug connections. This integration maintains layout flexibility through the board's design while significantly reducing assembly complexity and the number of contact points.
4Shape
If the printed circuit board is deformed to match the non-planar front panel, then aesthetic integration is improved, but hairline cracks can occur in the signal line means
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board is segmented into a planar logic means section and a non-planar sensor section. The planar section remains straight and stable, preventing hairline cracks in signal lines, while the sensor section can be deformed to match the curved front panel shape for aesthetic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed circuit board exhibits local quality differences where the logic means section maintains planarity for signal line stability, while the sensor section is designed to be deformable for aesthetic integration. This localized differentiation allows deformation only where necessary without compromising overall reliability.
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 design facilitates precise touch signal evaluation and reduces assembly complexity while preventing damage to signal lines, ensuring reliable operation and extended service life.
Implementation Method 1
conductive surfaces are used, which can be used as capacitive elements to detect contact
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to a coffee machine (1), in particular a fully automatic coffee machine, comprising an operating unit (2), which has least one, preferably capacitive, touch sensor (102) for producing an operation signal when touched by an operating person and signal-conducting means (20) that are designed to conduct the operation signal to logic means (202), which are connected to coffee-producing means in a signal-conducting manner, wherein the touch sensor (102), the signal-conducting means (20), and the logic means (202) are arranged on a common circuit board (10), wherein the logic means (202) are arranged in a flat logic-means section (200) of the circuit board (10), and the touch sensor (102) is arranged in a sensor section (100) on the circuit board (10), and wherein the logic-means section (200) integrally transitions into the sensor section (100). According to the invention, the logic-means section (200) is delimited from the sensor section (100) by at least one, preferably tab-like, opening (204) in the circuit board in such a way that the logic-means section (200) is not deformed when the sensor section (100) is deformed, and the sensor section (100) extends out of the plane of the logic-means section (200), in particular in an arched manner, and/or can be extended out of the plane of the logic-mean section by means of deformation, in particular bending, of the sensor section (100), wherein the logic-means section (200) integrally transitions into the sensor section (100).