Control unit for an electromechanical oven and oven

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a more modern and space-saving design of the control panel in ovens, as existing designs with protruding knobs or push-in buttons are not efficient in terms of layout and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A control unit with a concentric arrangement of a knob and a ring selector, connected to separate electromechanical converters via a gear set and splitting unit, allowing only the knob and ring selector to be accessible on the panel while the converters and gear set are positioned on the backside, enabling efficient control of heating functions and temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If control elements are arranged concentrically with converters on the backside, then the control panel achieves a modern and space-saving design, but the mechanical connection between control elements and converters becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol panel areaVSAvoidmechanical connection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the converters from the front surface to the backside of the control panel, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to resolve the spatial conflict. This allows the control elements to be arranged concentrically on the front surface while the converters are positioned on the back surface, reducing the panel area while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a splitting unit with a gear set as an intermediary mechanism between the control elements and converters. This gear set mediates the mechanical connection, transmitting rotational movement from the control elements to the converters on the backside while managing the complexity of the mechanical linkage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If converters are positioned on the backside of the panel, then the control panel achieves a cleaner and more aesthetic appearance, but the installation and maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol panel appearanceVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control unit into distinct modules: control elements on the front, splitting unit with gear set in the middle, and converters on the backside. This modular segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of each module and facilitates easier installation and maintenance by allowing individual modules to be accessed or replaced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The splitting unit acts as an intermediary layer that simplifies the connection between front and back components. By positioning the gear set and associated mechanical linkages in this intermediate zone, the patent creates a standardized interface that simplifies both manufacturing and maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the knob and ring selector are directly connected to converters, then the mechanical structure is simple, but the control panel cannot achieve a compact concentric arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical structure complexityVSAvoidcontrol panel layout efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the depth dimension by positioning converters on the backside of the panel rather than on the front surface. This allows the control elements to be arranged in a compact concentric pattern on the front surface without requiring the converters to be physically adjacent to each control element, achieving both compact layout and functional connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The splitting unit with its gear set serves as a mechanical intermediary that decouples the spatial relationship between control elements and converters. The gear set transmits rotational movement through the intermediate space, allowing the control elements to be arranged concentrically while connecting to converters positioned on the backside.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides a compact and aesthetically pleasing control panel that effectively controls oven functions and temperatures, enhancing user interaction while maintaining the functionality of existing control systems.

Implementation Method 1

the splitting unit comprises a gear set

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP4053455A1Control unit for an electromechanical oven and oven
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP4053455A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4053455A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4053455A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention concerns a control unit (10) for an electromechanical oven comprising: a first control element (2) and a second control element (4) and a splitting unit (20), wherein one of the first control element (2) and the second control element (4) being a knob (12) and the other being a ring selector (14) concentrically arranged around the knob (12), wherein the knob (12) is connected to a first converter (30) and the ring selector (14) is connected to a second converter (32) , wherein the splitting unit is arranged between the first and second control element (2, 4) on one side and the first and second converter (30, 32) on the other side The invention further concerns an oven with the control unit (10) .