Height-Adjustable Table with Integrated Capacitive Touch Control Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height adjustable tables face challenges with control panel design and mounting, as they are prone to damage and require complex operation, especially when exposed during use, storage, and shipping, and solutions like PC-exclusive operation or separate control panels are not optimal.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of capacitive touch keys integrated into the table top, which can be inlaid in a groove or recess, allowing for easy operation from the top or edge, providing firm pressure and eliminating the need for mechanical components, and can be internally embedded during manufacturing for enhanced durability and user-friendliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control panel protrudes from the table top, then it is easy to operate, but it is exposed to damage during everyday use, storage, shipping and moving
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is extracted from the traditional protruding position and integrated directly into the table top surface. The touch-sensitive control elements are embedded within the table top, removing the vulnerable protruding structure while maintaining operational accessibility. Users can still easily operate the controls by touching the integrated surface, but the control elements are no longer exposed to external damage during use, storage, or shipping.
2Ease of operation
If the control panel is positioned on the table top surface, then it is accessible, but it requires complex mounting and may interfere with the table top finish
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is merged with the table top structure itself, creating an integrated unit rather than a separate mounted component. The touch-sensitive controls are incorporated directly into the table top manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate mounting procedures. This integration maintains the table top's aesthetic finish while providing accessible control functionality, as the controls become part of the table top surface rather than additions to it.
3Device complexity
If traditional mechanical switches are used, then the control panel is simple, but it requires mechanical components that can fail and need maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical switches and electromechanical components are replaced with touch-sensitive control elements that operate without moving parts. The control mechanism uses electrical or capacitive sensing technology detected through the table top surface, eliminating mechanical wear, friction, and physical contact issues. This substitution maintains simplicity in user interaction while dramatically improving reliability and reducing maintenance requirements, as there are no mechanical components to fail.
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
This solution provides a simple, user-friendly, and damage-resistant control panel that ensures easy operation and mounting, maintaining the table's design integrity while allowing independent PC-free operation, enhancing the overall usability and durability of height adjustable tables.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive touch keys, which in addition can be designated touch electrodes or touch antennas
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrically adjustable piece of furniture, such as a table or armchair comprising at least one actuator and/or lifting column driven by an electric motor for adjustment of the piece of furniture. The adjustment is executed via a control with touch keys. It is characteristic that touch keys are located on the back of an element in the piece of furniture, and that indications for the touch keys are provided on a visible and accessible surface above the touch keys. The touch keys can, however, also be inlayed in an element of the piece of furniture providing possibility for operation from several sides of the element. This provides many variation possibilities for designing the control. Very simply, the indications can merely be painted directly onto the surface, while they, more sophisticatedly, can be inlayed symbols in wood, metal etc., alternatively be a plate mounted on or inlayed in the element.