Cooking hob
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooktop control devices are complex and require physical movement to select and set cooking zones, which can be cumbersome and may not provide precise detection, especially when multiple small contact areas are close together.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an IR transceiver unit that emits and detects infrared radiation to precisely identify touch areas on a removable control element, allowing for detection without physical movement and enabling user-friendly operation by distinguishing between individualized contact areas through unique geometric designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Hall sensors and detection magnets are used to detect control element position, then detection capability is provided, but the device structure becomes complex and multiple small contact areas cannot be precisely distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/magnetic detection system (Hall sensors and detection magnets) with an optical detection system using IR transceiver units. This substitution enables precise detection of touch areas through infrared radiation reflection without requiring complex mechanical structures or magnetic field interactions, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection precision and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces infrared radiation as an intermediary medium for detection. The IR transceiver units emit infrared radiation that reflects off the control element surface, allowing indirect detection of touch areas. This intermediary approach enables precise detection without direct contact or complex sensor arrangements, addressing both detection precision and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple small contact areas are arranged close together, then more functions can be integrated, but detection precision decreases and areas cannot be clearly distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system using IR transceiver units can resolve fine spatial details by detecting reflected infrared radiation patterns. This optical approach provides superior spatial resolution compared to magnetic or mechanical sensors, enabling clear distinction between multiple small contact areas that are closely spaced, thereby maintaining both functional integration and detection precision.
3Measurement precision
If visible light is used for optical detection, then touch areas can be seen, but visual interference occurs and user operation is influenced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of local quality by using infrared radiation, which has different interaction properties with materials compared to visible light. The infrared wavelength provides adequate penetration and reflection characteristics for touch detection while being invisible to the human eye, thus eliminating visual interference while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from visible light detection to infrared detection, effectively changing the 'color' or wavelength of the detection radiation. This shift to the infrared spectrum allows detection functionality while removing the harmful visual interference effect, as humans cannot perceive infrared radiation.
4Ease of operation
If control element must be moved to select cooking zone, then zone selection is possible, but operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical movement-based selection with contactless optical detection. The IR transceiver units detect which contact area is touched by analyzing reflected infrared radiation patterns, eliminating the need for physical movement of the control element. This enables instant zone selection simply by touching the desired area, dramatically improving ease of operation and reducing selection time.
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 provides precise and user-friendly operation by eliminating the need for physical movement, enhancing detection accuracy even with closely spaced contact areas, and avoiding visual interference, thus simplifying the selection and setting of cooking zones on a cooktop.
Implementation Method 1
an IR transceiver unit with which IR (infrared radiation) can be emitted to the touch area and touching of the touch area can be detected by the IR radiation reflected from there
Implementation Method 2
touching of the touch area can be detected by the IR radiation reflected from there
Implementation Method 3
the operating element to have a cap or a cover which is permeable to IR radiation in certain areas
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device for a household appliance, comprising an operating element, removably arranged on an operating element holder, and the operating element having at least one touch area which, when touched, can adjust an operating condition of the household appliance. The operating device is designed to have an IR transceiver unit with which IR radiation can be emitted to the touch area, any contact with the touch area being detectable by means of the IR radiation reflected by the touch area. The invention also relates to a hob with an operating device.