Method for operating a cooking hob and cooking hob designed therefor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hob control systems face issues with liquid spills causing false activation of controls and inadequate deactivation of the wipe protection function, leading to operational errors and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A method and hob design featuring capacitive sensor elements that automatically deactivate the wipe protection function after a predetermined period of inactivity, allowing safe and comfortable operation by ignoring sensor signals during cleaning, with customizable waiting times and visual-acoustic signaling for activation and deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wipe protection function is deactivated automatically after a predefined time, then the operating comfort is improved, but the timing may be inappropriate and cause errors during ongoing wiping process
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors sensor signals from the sensor element devices during the wiping process. If liquid is detected on the sensor elements, the system receives feedback that the wiping is still ongoing, and the wipe protection function is extended accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the function remains active throughout the entire wiping process while still providing automatic deactivation when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The predefined deactivation time is not fixed but dynamically adjusted based on detected liquid presence. When liquid is detected on the sensor elements, the deactivation timer is reset or extended. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to the actual wiping duration, preventing premature deactivation while maintaining the benefit of automatic function management.
2Measurement precision
If liquid film on capacitive sensor elements is detected, then false operation detection occurs, but the ability to distinguish intentional finger operation from liquid presence is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control device evaluates sensor signals from multiple sensor elements in combination rather than individually. By analyzing the spatial distribution and temporal patterns across multiple capacitive sensor elements, the system can distinguish between a finger touching one element (intentional operation) and liquid spreading across multiple elements (accidental contamination). This segmented evaluation approach improves detection precision while maintaining operational clarity.
3Reliability
If the wipe protection function blocks all sensor signals, then protection from liquid interference is achieved, but legitimate operations during the blocking period are ignored
Solution Approach 1:
The wipe protection function is applied selectively rather than uniformly to all sensor elements. The control device identifies which specific sensor elements are affected by liquid contamination and applies the blocking function only to those local areas. Sensor elements that remain clean and responsive continue to process operations normally, ensuring that legitimate operations are not ignored while still providing protection where needed.
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
Ensures safe and practical operation by automatically ending the wipe protection function when no longer needed, preventing accidental deactivation and enhancing user experience through customizable settings and clear signaling.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor element devices advantageously have capacitive sensor elements for the operating elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A cooktop with a control unit featuring capacitive touch sensors has a control device designed to provide a wipe protection function that can be activated and deactivated by the operator. Once activated, this function prevents the control unit from interpreting sensor signals from the touch sensors as operating commands. The wipe protection function is automatically deactivated by the control unit only after a waiting period of 0 to 20 seconds has elapsed since the last detection of an operation by at least one of the touch sensors or since the last receipt of a sensor signal from at least one of the touch sensors, without any further detection of an operation or receipt of a sensor signal.