Operating device for an electric device and electric device with such an operating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices for electrical appliances, such as hobs, face challenges in designing versatile and efficient touch control systems that minimize structural and operational effort, with limitations in detecting finger touches and localizing inputs accurately.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control panel with capacitive touch switches arranged in a line, complemented by optical touch switches in a parallel line, allows for reliable detection of finger touches with reduced effort and cost, utilizing capacitive and optical touch areas of varying sizes to differentiate and overlap detection zones, ensuring accurate operation recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only capacitive touch switches are used for detection, then the detection coverage is extensive, but the localization precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines capacitive touch switches and optical touch switches into a single operating device. Capacitive touch switches provide extensive detection coverage through their large capacitive touch areas, while optical touch switches provide precise localization through their smaller optical touch areas. The control unit integrates signals from both types of switches to achieve both comprehensive detection and accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Different types of touch switches are assigned to different functional zones: capacitive touch switches are used where broad detection is needed, while optical touch switches are used where precise localization is required. The touch areas of different switch types are arranged to overlap in specific regions to enhance both coverage and precision where needed.
2Measurement precision
If extensive optical touch switches are used for precise detection, then the localization precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges capacitive and optical touch switch systems into a hybrid operating device. Capacitive touch switches with their larger touch areas provide broad coverage and reduce the need for numerous optical switches, thereby lowering device complexity while maintaining precision through the complementary optical sensors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If capacitive touch area is made larger for better detection, then the detection coverage is improved, but the touch switch count increases
Solution Approach 1:
Capacitive touch switches serve multiple functions: they provide broad detection coverage through their large capacitive touch areas and also contribute to localization precision when combined with optical touch switches. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate extensive optical switch arrays, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 configuration enables efficient and accurate detection of touch inputs along multiple lines, reducing the need for extensive optical touch switches and enhancing operational precision by leveraging capacitive touch switches for comprehensive detection while optical switches provide precise localization.
Implementation Method 1
Capacitive touch switches are arranged along a first line on the control panel... Each capacitive touch switch is formed by a capacitive sensor element arranged beneath the control panel
Implementation Method 2
Each optical touch switch has an optical touch area... operates like a reflex light barrier with a light transmitter and a light receiver. If a finger is placed in an optical touch zone on the control panel above the optical touch switch, especially directly above it, the light emitted by the light transmitter is reflected back, which the light receiver detects
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A control device for a cooktop comprises a cooktop panel as the control panel and capacitive touch switches on the control panel along a first straight line. These touch switches are formed by a capacitive sensor element beneath the control panel and have a capacitive touch area on the control panel above the sensor element. Optical touch switches are also provided on the control panel along a second line parallel to the first line, each optical touch switch having an optical touch area on the control panel. The distance between the first and second lines is between 1 mm and 30 mm. The distance between adjacent optical touch switches along the second line is equal to or greater than the distance between adjacent capacitive touch switches along the first line, and preferably at least twice as large.