Operating device for a domestic appliance with an operating element and domestic appliance with such an operating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices for household appliances, such as hobs, face challenges in providing clear and easily understandable visual displays due to limited space, leading to small and confusing information presentation.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with an integrated optical enlargement element that magnifies displayed information, allowing for quicker recognition of operating parameters and improved usability, especially for users with visual impairments, by embedding the enlargement element within the control element and using a magnifying glass for enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the display unit is dimensioned relatively small due to space constraints on the hob, then the operating device can be integrated into the hob structure, but the displayed information becomes small and confusing
Solution Approach 1:
A magnifying glass is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the small display unit and the user's eye. The magnifying glass enlarges the displayed information optically, allowing small display units to present clear, readable information without requiring increased physical size.
Solution Approach 2:
The adverse effect of small display size (confusing information) is counteracted by introducing the magnifying glass with opposite optical action. The magnification effect compensates for the small physical dimensions, effectively 'weighting' the information presentation in favor of readability.
2Loss of information
If a magnifying glass is added to the operating device, then information visibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnifying glass is integrated into the operating element itself, merging the magnification function with the existing control knob structure. This combination approach adds the magnification capability while minimizing overall device complexity by using a unified component rather than separate add-on elements.
3Loss of information
If the operating element is made transparent or translucent, then enlarged information can be viewed through it, but the magnetic positioning capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element exhibits different properties in different regions: the main body remains opaque or translucent with magnetic properties for reliable positioning, while specific areas (such as the display region) are made transparent to allow viewing of enlarged information. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between transparency and magnetic functionality.
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 enhances information visibility and reliability, ensuring that users can easily read enlarged symbols, numbers, and texts, improving user experience and safety by presenting information in a quasi-protruding manner, even for those with visual impairments, while maintaining robustness and simplicity in production.
Implementation Method 1
A display area is formed on an upper side of the control element, which has an optical enlargement element, with which displayed information is enlarged compared to its original size.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The device (8) has a display region (22) formed at an upper side of a control element (16) i.e. turning tilting control knob, and comprising an optical enlarging element (17) i.e. magnifier. The optical enlarging element enlarges represented information against original size of the information. The control element comprises an information generation unit. The optical enlarging element is arranged along direction of a longitudinal axle of the control element over the information generation unit for increasing the information produced in the control element. The element comprises a recess.