Device for operating a built-in kitchen appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliance operating systems, such as hobs and extractor systems, lack flexibility and enhanced functionality, particularly in terms of user interaction and component integration, with existing touch-sensitive controls and rotary knobs not providing sufficient mechanical actuation and touch sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a central piece with a rotatably mounted operating element, equipped with position sensors and touch-sensitive/pressure-sensitive sensors, allowing for flexible arrangement and enhanced functionality, including secure attachment, easy cleaning, and complex control options like timers and lighting, with a modular design for compatibility with various appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If touch-sensitive controls are used, then ease of operation is improved, but mechanical actuation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines touch-sensitive control capability with mechanical rotary actuation in a single integrated operating element. The operating element includes both a touch-sensitive surface for contactless operation and a rotary mechanism for mechanical adjustment, allowing users to choose between touching the surface or rotating the element depending on the desired function.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect touch input for activating controls, provide mechanical rotary input for adjusting parameters, and serve as a physical interface for both tactile and rotational interactions. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the single element capable of both touch sensitivity and mechanical actuation.
2Force
If rotary knobs are used, then mechanical actuation is improved, but touch sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a rotary knob mechanism with touch-sensitive sensing capability into a unified operating element. The rotary knob provides mechanical actuation for parameter adjustment while simultaneously incorporating touch-sensitive zones that detect finger contact for activating different modes or functions, eliminating the need to choose between mechanical and touch interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element serves dual purposes: the rotary mechanism enables mechanical actuation for precise control adjustments, while the integrated touch-sensitive surface allows for contactless activation of functions. This universal design allows the same element to excel at both mechanical actuation and touch sensitivity depending on how it is used.
3Device complexity
If operating elements are integrated into appliance bodies, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the operating element from the appliance body as a distinct, modular component. This segmentation allows the operating element to be designed and manufactured independently, then installed in various positions on different appliance models, providing both simplicity in the individual components and flexibility in overall system configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element is designed as a universal component that can be adapted to multiple appliance types and configurations. Its standardized interface and modular design enable it to function across different appliance bodies without requiring custom integration for each application, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are added, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single integrated operating element. The element incorporates both touch-sensitive sensors and position sensors (such as Hall effect sensors) within the same structure, allowing multiple control functions to be achieved without proportionally increasing overall device complexity. The integrated design shares common structural and electronic resources.
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
The solution enhances the functionality and flexibility of kitchen appliance operation, providing secure, easy-to-clean, and user-friendly interfaces that can control various appliance functions, while allowing for modular integration with different hobs and extractor systems, improving operational reliability and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
at least one position sensor, which is designed for sensing a rotational position of the operating element
Implementation Method 2
at least one touch-sensitive and/or pressure-sensitive sensor
Implementation Method 3
at least one touch-sensitive and/or pressure-sensitive sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An operating device for a built-in kitchen appliance includes a central piece, an operating element mounted rotatably on the central piece, at least one position sensor, which is designed for sensing a rotational position of the operating element, and at least one touch-sensitive and/or pressure-sensitive sensor.