Operating device for a household appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices for domestic appliances are bulky and large due to their design, which affects their compactness and usability.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a flat and compact design featuring a ferromagnetic upper cover that serves both as a multifunctional component for controlling and detecting magnetic field changes, allowing for precise movement and easier handling, and is made of high-grade steel materials like 1.4021, with additional magnets for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operating element is designed with multiple separate components (handle part, running plate, cavity structures), then the magnetic holding function is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (handle part, running plate, cavity structures) into a single integrated operating element. The ferromagnetic material itself forms the complete operating element with integrated functional areas, eliminating the need for separate parts and reducing overall size while maintaining magnetic holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferromagnetic operating element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides magnetic attraction for holding, contains embedded magnets for actuation, and forms the complete structural body. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and reduces the device to its minimum necessary size.
2Device complexity
If the operating element is designed as a solid part with a single central magnet, then the structure is simple, but the functionality is limited and the design is not compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by distributing multiple magnets at specific positions within the operating element rather than using a single central magnet. This localized arrangement of magnetic elements enables diverse functional capabilities (rotational movement, pressing actions, detachable positioning) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Reliability
If the operating element is designed to be tall and bulky to accommodate internal components, then the magnetic function is reliable, but the device is not compact and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a tall, three-dimensional bulky design to a flat, planar design by redistributing components within a compressed vertical profile. The operating element achieves its functional volume through lateral expansion rather than vertical growth, making it flat and easy to handle while maintaining all magnetic functions.
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, lightweight, and user-friendly operating device with improved grip and usability, enabling precise movement and easier handling while reducing material requirements and enhancing the control of household appliances.
Implementation Method 1
a control element which can be held on the control surface of the controllable household appliance by means of magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
A change in magnetic fields caused by the movement of the control element on the control surface is brought about in combination between the movement of the cover and other magnets arranged on and/or under the control surface, so that the movement of the control element is detected via this detection
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device for a household appliance (1), comprising an operating element (7) that can be held, by magnetic force, on an operating surface (2) of the household appliance (1) that can be controlled by the operating device. Said operating element can be moved in relation to the operating surface (2) and positioned in such a way that it can be removed therefrom. An upper cover (8) of the operating element (7) is at least partially formed from ferromagnetic material, especially the material 1.4021.