Household appliance input unit, especially for a hob
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic appliance input units lack flexibility and convenience in setting operating parameters, particularly for hobs, requiring complex sequences and not allowing for quick and precise selection of power levels.
Innovation Solution
A domestic appliance input unit with operating element power units featuring multiple stages and intermediate stages, arranged alternately for easy selection, combined with a touch-sensitive sensor unit and computing unit for intuitive operation and text information processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex sequence of operating sensors and actuating sensors is used to set operating states, then the control can be precise, but the operating time and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control element power unit is segmented into multiple operating areas (first, second, third, fourth) with each area containing main stages and intermediate stages. This segmentation allows users to directly access different power levels without following a complex sequential operation, thereby reducing operating time while maintaining precise control over the parameter selection.
2Measurement precision
If multiple operating sensors must be operated in a predetermined sequence, then the control can be accurate, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is divided into multiple operating areas with main stages and intermediate stages, allowing users to directly select desired power levels without complex sequencing. This segmentation maintains accurate parameter setting while significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system allows users to directly activate desired operating states by simply operating the corresponding operating area, eliminating the need to follow predetermined sequences of multiple sensors. The system serves itself by directly translating user input into the desired operating state without requiring complex user actions.
3Ease of operation
If a simple operating element power unit is used, then the ease of operation is good, but the adaptability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control element power unit is divided into multiple operating areas (first, second, third, fourth) with each containing main stages and intermediate stages. This segmentation provides a simple, intuitive interface for users while simultaneously offering extensive adaptability and flexibility through the multiple power levels and intermediate options available across different operating areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface incorporates intermediate stages between main stages, adding an additional dimension to the power level selection. This allows users to access both coarse power levels (main stages) and fine-tuned power levels (intermediate stages) within a simple operating framework, thereby enhancing flexibility without complicating the user interface.
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
Enables quick and precise selection of power levels, enhancing user convenience and flexibility by allowing direct selection of intermediate stages and preventing erroneous parameter changes through intuitive touch-sensitive operation.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor unit (36a) is formed by a touch-sensitive input unit (38a) with touch-sensitive input areas (40a)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a household appliance input unit, especially for a hob (10a, 10b), comprising at least one operating element unit (12a, 12b) designed as a power unit (14a, 14b) for the operating elements. The aim of the invention is to provide a household appliance input unit with improved operating characteristics in terms of a suitable operating time and/or high flexibility. To this end, the operating element power unit (14a, 14b) has a plurality of operating regions (16a, 16b) with which at least two main stages (18a, 18b) and at least one intermediate stage (20a, 20b) can be associated.