Household appliance device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliance devices with magnetic rotary knobs for adjusting manipulated variables provide limited haptic feedback and are costly due to the high number of permanent magnets required.
Innovation Solution
A household appliance device with a field generation unit producing a variable electromagnetic field to generate haptic reactions, reducing the need for permanent magnets and enhancing user experience through improved haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic rotary knobs with multiple permanent magnets are used to provide haptic feedback, then haptic feedback is provided, but the number of permanent magnets increases leading to high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple permanent magnets with an electromagnetic field generation system. A field generation unit with an excitation coil generates a variable electromagnetic field that interacts with a magnetic element in the rotary knob, producing haptic feedback without requiring multiple permanent magnets. This substitution reduces component quantity while maintaining the haptic feedback function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the electromagnetic field (frequency, amplitude, or phase) to generate different haptic responses. By varying the electromagnetic field parameters dynamically, the system can provide multiple types of haptic feedback using a single field generation unit, replacing what would traditionally require multiple permanent magnets with different properties.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic rotary knobs with multiple permanent magnets are used to provide haptic feedback, then haptic feedback is provided, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple permanent magnets into a single field generation unit. The excitation coil and magnetic element work together as an integrated electromagnetic actuation system, replacing multiple discrete permanent magnet components. This consolidation reduces device complexity and component count while maintaining haptic feedback functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical arrangement of multiple permanent magnets with an electromagnetic field-based system. The field generation unit generates electromagnetic fields that interact with the magnetic element to produce haptic effects, eliminating the need for complex mechanical arrangements of multiple magnets and reducing overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If conventional setting units are used, then the structure is simple, but haptic feedback is limited reducing ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field generation system that replaces or augments conventional mechanical setting units. The field generation unit with excitation coil and magnetic element provides dynamic haptic feedback through electromagnetic interaction, enhancing the ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the electromagnetic field to provide variable haptic feedback. The excitation coil can generate electromagnetic fields with varying frequency, amplitude, and timing, enabling dynamic haptic responses that adapt to different operating conditions and user interactions, significantly improving ease of operation compared to static mechanical setting units.
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 provides a high level of operating comfort and cost efficiency by generating multiple haptic reactions with fewer components, allowing for adjustable settings and enhanced user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a field generation unit (16) which is intended to provide a variable electromagnetic field for generating at least one haptic response of the setting unit (12)
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic element (26) is designed to interact with the electromagnetic field provided by the field generation unit (16)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a household appliance device (10a-c), in particular a cooktop device, with at least one control unit (12a-c) for adjusting at least one control variable of a household appliance (14a-c). To improve ease of use, it is proposed that the household appliance device (10a-c) has a field generation unit (16a-c) which is designed to provide a variable electromagnetic field for generating at least one haptic response from the control unit (12a-c).