Operating device, adjusting device, household appliance comprising an operating device and method for producing an operating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary selector switches in household appliances, such as laundry care machines, face issues with rotational axis deviations and play, leading to incorrect program selection due to misalignment between the switch and evaluation module, resulting in potential errors in operating programs.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with a holding section, a rotary selector switch evaluation unit, and a flexible connecting section that can be three-dimensionally movable, allowing for compensation of rotational axis deviations between the rotary selector switch and the evaluation unit, utilizing a potentiometer for reliable operation and tolerance compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connecting section is used between the holding section and the rotary selector switch evaluation unit, then the structural stability is improved, but the rotational axis alignment precision deteriorates due to manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting section is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically adapt to misalignments between the rotary selector switch and the evaluation unit. This flexibility compensates for manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion, maintaining rotational axis alignment precision while preserving structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting section's flexibility parameter is specifically optimized to allow movement within a range that compensates for expected manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion. This parameter change enables the system to maintain alignment precision without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing.
2Manufacturing precision
If a flexible connecting section is used between the holding section and the rotary selector switch evaluation unit, then the rotational axis alignment precision is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connecting section provides dynamic adaptation to misalignments while maintaining sufficient structural stability through its controlled flexibility. The section can move to compensate for tolerances but retains enough rigidity to support the evaluation unit and maintain overall structural integrity.
3Manufacturing precision
If high-precision rotary selector switches are used, then the program selection accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to eliminate manufacturing tolerances through expensive high-precision components, the patent converts the harmful effect of tolerances into a beneficial feature by using a flexible connecting section that actively compensates for misalignments. This allows the use of cost-effective standard components while maintaining program selection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flexibility parameter of the connecting section to compensate for tolerances in standard, cost-effective rotary selector switches. This parameter adjustment enables accurate program selection without requiring expensive high-precision components.
4Device complexity
If the rotary selector switch and evaluation unit are rigidly fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to manufacturing tolerances and temperature changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connecting section introduces controlled dynamics into the otherwise rigid system. It provides adaptability to manufacturing tolerances and temperature changes through its flexibility while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, avoiding the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The approach presented here relates to an operating device (115) for accommodating a rotary selector switch (120) for a household appliance (100). The operating device (115) has at least one holding section (125) and a rotary selector switch evaluation unit (135). The rotary selector switch evaluation unit (135) is designed to evaluate at least one rotary position of the rotary selector switch (120) and to record at least part of the rotary selector switch (120). Between the holding section (125) and the rotary selector switch evaluation unit (135), the operating device (115) has a connecting section (130) which is at least partially flexible.