Cooktop Control Knob Layout for Multi-Burner Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical device operating methods require multiple control elements for multiple functional units, leading to complexity and inefficiency, and do not allow for convenient operation or quick shutdown without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a single freely movable control element with sensors at touchdown points for detection and actuation, allowing for power adjustment and shutdown through capacitive or magnetic sensing, enabling sequential operation of multiple units with a single control element and quick shutdown by finger placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control elements are provided for multiple functional units, then each functional unit can be operated independently, but the device complexity and number of control elements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single control element is designed to operate multiple functional units sequentially. The control element can be placed on different touchdown points corresponding to different functional units, and its rotation direction and magnitude control the operational parameters of whichever functional unit is currently selected. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate control elements for each functional unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control element operates dynamically by being placed on different touchdown points to select different functional units. The system transitions between different operational modes depending on where the control element is placed and how it is rotated, allowing one static physical component to perform multiple dynamic functions.
2Ease of operation
If a control element is removed from a placement point, then the functional status is retained, but the device cannot be operated or adjusted anymore
Solution Approach 1:
The control element itself carries the necessary sensor means (such as capacitive touch sensors) to interact with the system. When placed on a touchdown point, the sensor means on the control element activates the corresponding functional unit. The control element serves both as the selection mechanism and the activation mechanism, eliminating the need for separate sensors in the base unit for each functional unit.
3Ease of operation
If touch switches are arranged under the removable control element, then operation can continue when control element is removed, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control element acts as an intermediary that carries the sensor means needed for operation. Rather than having sensors embedded in the base unit for each functional unit, the sensor means are integrated into the control element itself, which mediates between the user's input and the functional units being controlled.
4Device complexity
If a single control element is used for multiple functional units, then fewer control elements are needed, but sequential operation limits simultaneous control
Solution Approach 1:
The control surface is segmented into multiple touchdown points, each corresponding to a different functional unit. The single control element can be placed on any of these segmented areas to select the desired functional unit. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between different functional units even though only one control element is used.
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
Enables convenient, versatile operation of electrical devices with reduced structural effort and enhanced safety by allowing single-element control of multiple units and intuitive shutdown without moving the control element, while preventing unintentional adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
A signal from a touch switch or a touch switch surface on the control element can be coupled to a sensor below the touchdown point via capacitive coupling
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively, according to EP 1 775 650 A2, it can be done magnetically with Hall sensors
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
For operation, a cooktop has several heating elements as functional units, a control surface (12), and a freely movable control element (24) for placement on the control surface (12). A marked placement point (13b) for the control element is provided on the control surface (12) for each heating element. A sensor (52) for a touch switch and a sensor (42) for detecting the rotation of the control element (24) are provided at the placement point (13b). The placement of a control element (24) on a placement point (13b) is detected and interpreted as switching on the corresponding heating element. Subsequent rotation of the control element (24) is detected and changes the heating element's position. After the control element (24) is removed from the placement point (13b), the corresponding heating element retains its operating state.