Cooktop Touch Control Using Rear-Mounted Capacitive Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooktops lack flexibility in operability, making them less comfortable and efficient for users to control heating parameters like temperature and heating zones.
Innovation Solution
A cooktop operating device with a touch-sensitive operating unit featuring multiple pick-up electrodes arranged on the rear of a plate unit, connected to sensor elements, allowing for flexible operation through a rotary operating means that can actuate the electrodes without direct contact, and includes a shielding element to prevent unwanted actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional control elements are used on the cooktop, then the structure is simple, but the operability flexibility and user comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control elements (knobs, buttons) with a capacitive touch-sensitive operating unit that detects changes in capacitance through pick-up electrodes. This substitution of mechanical systems with electrical field-based sensing enables flexible operability through touch or proximity gestures while maintaining a simple, flat plate unit structure without moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capacitive coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the user's body and the control system. The pick-up electrodes detect capacitance changes caused by the user's approach or touch, serving as a mediator that translates physical proximity into control signals without requiring direct mechanical contact, thus enhancing operability flexibility.
2Shape
If pick-up electrodes are arranged on the rear side of the plate unit, then the plate unit surface remains clean and simple, but the actuation mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional control element arrangement by placing the pick-up electrodes on the rear side of the plate unit instead of the front surface. This inversion allows the plate unit surface to remain clean and simple in appearance while the electrodes on the rear side detect capacitance changes through the plate material, eliminating the need for visible control elements on the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the plate unit itself as a thin film or shell that serves dual purposes: as the visible surface and as a substrate for mounting pick-up electrodes on the rear side. The plate material acts as a dielectric layer that allows capacitance detection from the rear while maintaining a simple front surface, effectively hiding the actuation mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If touch-sensitive control elements are used, then the operability is enhanced, but the susceptibility to unwanted actuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the operating unit into multiple discrete pick-up electrodes, each with specific spatial arrangement and functional assignment. By localizing the sensing capability to specific electrode regions rather than making the entire plate surface sensitive, the system can distinguish between intentional user interactions and unwanted actuations based on which electrodes are affected and the pattern of capacitance changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a control unit that processes signals from multiple pick-up electrodes and can distinguish between valid user inputs and spurious capacitance changes. The system uses feedback mechanisms to recognize intentional actuation patterns versus environmental interference, allowing it to filter out unwanted actuations while maintaining responsive operation for legitimate user commands.
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 enhances operability by allowing precise and comfortable control of heating parameters, reducing the need for special hardware and sensors, and providing a high degree of flexibility and convenience in using the cooktop.
Implementation Method 1
A cooktop operating device with at least one operating unit that has at least one pick-up electrode which is arranged on a rear side of a plate unit and at least one sensor element which is connected to the pick-up electrode. The signal is in the form of a change in capacitance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is based on a domestic appliance control device (10), in particular a cooktop control device, with at least one control unit (12) which has at least one pick-up electrode (14) arranged on the back of a plate unit (16) and at least one sensor element (18) which is connected to the pick-up electrode (14). In order to provide a generic device with improved properties in terms of high flexibility of operation, it is proposed that the operating unit (12) has at least one operating means (20) which is intended to be arranged on the plate unit (16) and the pick-up electrode ( 14) to press.