Dual-Sensing Knob Assembly for Integrated Rotation and Button Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing household appliance knobs often have single functions, making them inconvenient to use for both rotation adjustment and button confirmation.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic knob design incorporating a first assembly with a fixed sensing element for button confirmation and a second assembly that rotates around the knob's axis for adjustment, utilizing capacitive sensing to integrate these functions and prevent mis-operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single-function knob is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to perform both rotation adjustment and button confirmation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the knob to perform both rotation adjustment and button confirmation functions through a single integrated component. The sensing element detects both rotational movements and pressing actions, allowing one knob to replace what would traditionally require separate controls, thereby improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the rotation adjustment function and button confirmation function into a single knob assembly. By combining these two distinct control functions into one physical component with a unified sensing mechanism, the design eliminates the need for separate controls while maintaining clear functional differentiation through the sensing element's ability to distinguish between rotational and pressing inputs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If rotation and button functions are integrated in one knob, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential mis-operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the sensing element that provides real-time detection of user inputs. The sensing element distinguishes between rotational movements and pressing actions by detecting different movement patterns, providing feedback to the control unit to accurately determine the user's intent. This feedback system prevents mis-operation by ensuring that each input type is correctly interpreted and executed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the knob to exhibit different operational modes based on the type of input received. The sensing element detects the dynamic characteristics of user interactions - whether the user is rotating the knob for adjustment or pressing it for confirmation - and the control unit responds accordingly. This dynamic response system maintains reliability by adapting the system's behavior to the specific input mode without requiring separate physical controls

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 integrated design enhances user convenience by allowing precise control of both rotation and button functions, reducing the likelihood of mis-operation and improving the user experience.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing capacitive sensing to integrate these functions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12253874B2Household appliance knob
Publication Date: 2025.03.18 FOSHAN SHUNDE MIDEA ELECTRICAL HEATING APPLIANCES MFG CO LTD
  • US12253874B2 patent drawing
  • US12253874B2 patent drawing
  • US12253874B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A knob includes a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly includes a first sensing element. The second assembly is sleeved at the first assembly and includes a second sensing element. The first sensing element is configured to, when the second assembly rotates around a rotation axis, be fixed relative to the rotation axis. The second sensing element is configured to, when the second assembly rotates around the rotation axis, move around the rotation axis.