Domestic appliance with an operating device with determination of absolute position of a control element in the room
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices for household appliances with detachable operating elements can only detect dynamic movements, limiting their operational variability and inability to determine the orientation or absolute position of the operating element when placed on a receptacle.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a static acceleration sensor in the operating element, which allows for the determination of the absolute position and orientation in three-dimensional space, enabling enhanced operational variability and precise assignment of functions based on detected acceleration values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate control element with dynamic acceleration sensors is used, then the control element can be removed and reattached without damage, but the absolute position and orientation of the control element cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by introducing static acceleration sensors that measure gravitational acceleration in three spatial directions. This allows the control element to determine its absolute position and orientation in space, not just dynamic movements. The evaluation unit processes these static acceleration values to calculate the absolute position, resolving the contradiction between removability and position determination capability.
2Ease of operation
If only dynamic acceleration sensors are used in the control element, then the control element can detect rotational or sliding movements, but it cannot detect the orientation or absolute position of the control element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the acceleration sensor system universal by equipping the control element with both dynamic acceleration sensors for detecting movements and static acceleration sensors for detecting orientation and absolute position. This multi-functional sensor system ensures that all relevant information about the control element's state is captured, eliminating the loss of orientation information while maintaining movement detection capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control element is reattached to the receptacle with varying orientations, then operational variability increases, but the existing sensors cannot detect the new orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using static acceleration sensors to continuously monitor the absolute position and orientation of the control element relative to the receptacle. The evaluation unit processes this feedback information to determine the current orientation, enabling the system to adapt to varying orientations reliably. This feedback mechanism ensures that operational variability does not compromise detection reliability.
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 allows for precise determination of the operating element's position and orientation, enabling additional functionalities and precise actuation of the device, even when the element is reattached with varying orientations, thus enhancing the overall operational variability and reliability of the device.
Implementation Method 1
The control device has at least one static acceleration sensor arranged in the control element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device (3) for a household appliance (1), with an operating element holder (4) and with a separate operating element (5) which can be placed on the operating element holder (4) and positioned detachably and with which, by specific actuation in the operating conditions of the household appliance (1) can be set when placed on the control element holder (4), and with at least one acceleration sensor (9) which is arranged in the control element (5), the control element (9) being designed as a flat body and having a plane, in which the flat body extends, is arranged oriented vertically in space, and the operating device (3) has an evaluation unit (10) which, when the operating element (5) is placed on the operating element receptacle (4), is used to determine an absolute position of the operating element (5 ) is formed in space (x, y, z) depending on acceleration values of the acceleration sensor (9). The invention also relates to a household appliance (1).