Embedded Ring Control Element for Compact Appliance Display Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices for domestic appliances with electronic display panels and movable operating elements face challenges in achieving a compact and user-friendly design, often requiring large space and being clumsy due to their configuration.
Innovation Solution
A compact operating device with a ring-shaped control element embedded in the electronic display panel's cover, featuring a funnel-shaped top and minimal protrusion, allows for precise and easy operation by embedding the control element partially within the display panel and using a sliding ring with magnets for detection, enabling smooth and accurate rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional movable operating elements are used with electronic display panels, then the operating device can set operating conditions, but the device becomes large and clumsy requiring a lot of space
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element is merged with the display panel by embedding it in the cover, combining two previously separate components into one integrated unit. This reduces the overall space requirement while maintaining the functionality of both the display and the operating element.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element is nested within the cover structure of the display panel, with the ring-shaped front part partially embedded and partially protruding. This nesting approach allows the operating element to be compact yet still accessible for user interaction.
2Ease of operation
If traditional movable operating elements are used, then the device can be operated, but the operating elements are very large and clumsy extending out to the front for gripping
Solution Approach 1:
Only the necessary portion of the operating element (the ring-shaped front part) protrudes from the cover, while the rest is embedded. This localized protrusion provides sufficient gripping surface for user interaction without the excessive extension of traditional operating elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element transitions from a fully external three-dimensional protrusion to a partially embedded configuration with a specific funnel-shaped top geometry. This dimensional change allows for compact integration while maintaining ergonomic interaction through the shaped protruding portion.
3Area of stationary object
If the control element is embedded in the cover, then the device becomes compact, but the user's finger contact and operation precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ring-shaped front part with its funnel-shaped top provides a localized optimal contact surface for finger interaction. This specific geometry concentrates the interaction area to provide precise rotational control while keeping the rest of the operating element embedded for compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel-shaped top of the ring-shaped front part uses curved surfaces to facilitate smooth and precise rotational movement. The curved geometry guides finger contact and enables accurate rotation detection while maintaining a compact embedded configuration.
4Ease of operation
If the outer edge of the ring-shaped front part protrudes significantly, then gripping is easier, but the finger may unintentionally rub along the outside of the cover causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion is limited to a controlled extent with a specific funnel-shaped geometry that guides finger contact to the intended gripping area. This localized design ensures safe gripping while preventing unintended contact with surrounding surfaces that could cause contamination.
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 results in a more compact, user-friendly, and precise operating device that minimizes space requirements while ensuring safe and intuitive operation, allowing for easy setting of operating conditions with reduced risk of contamination and slipping.
Implementation Method 1
using a sliding ring with magnets for detection
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an operator control device for a domestic appliance (1), having an electronic display panel (11, 11a to 11c) and an operator control element (13) which can be moved relative to the display panel (11, 11a to 11c) in order to set operating conditions of the domestic appliance (1), wherein some areas of the operator control element (13) are embedded in a cover (15) of the at least one electronic display area (11, 11a to 11c), and the upper face (18) of an annular front part (17) of the operator control element (13) projects beyond the level of an outer face (21) of the cover (15). The invention also relates to a baking oven having an operator control device (10).