Household device series and method for producing household appliances that are operated in different ways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances lack flexibility in operation methods, leading to inefficient user interaction and increased production costs due to fixed circuit board layouts and limited customization options.
Innovation Solution
Implementing capacitive touch sensors with assignable evaluation algorithms allows for different operating methods on the same circuit board layout, enabling various operating logics and parameter settings, such as up/down, slide, and direct selection, while maintaining a modular and cost-effective production approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different circuit board layouts are used to achieve different operating methods, then operating flexibility is improved, but production cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single circuit board layout that can support multiple operating methods through software configuration. The control unit is programmed with different evaluation algorithms that can be assigned to the same physical touch sensor arrangement, allowing the device to function in different operating modes (e.g., direct selection, sequential selection, customizable modes) without requiring different hardware layouts. This resolves the contradiction by making the system universally adaptable through software rather than requiring multiple specialized hardware designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operating characteristics of the touch sensors configurable and changeable through software. The control unit can dynamically assign different evaluation algorithms to the same physical sensors, allowing the operating behavior to be modified without physical changes to the circuit board. This enables the system to adapt its operating characteristics dynamically, resolving the contradiction between fixed hardware and flexible operation.
2Ease of operation
If multiple custom化的 operating units are produced to meet different user needs, then user ergonomics is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single standardized operating unit design that can be configured for different users and applications through software. The control unit stores multiple evaluation algorithms and can be programmed to provide different operating modes (direct selection, sequential selection, customizable modes) from the same physical hardware. This eliminates the need to manufacture multiple customized hardware variants, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining the ability to provide ergonomic customization through software configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the software parameters and evaluation algorithms rather than physical hardware parameters to achieve customization. Different operating characteristics are achieved by changing the programmed logic and algorithm parameters in the control unit, not by manufacturing different physical components. This allows cost-effective production of standardized units that can be customized through parameter changes in the software.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed number of touch sensors is used, then production simplicity is maintained, but operating functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the control unit to handle variable numbers of touch sensors through a unified evaluation algorithm framework. The system can accommodate different configurations of touch sensors (different quantities, arrangements, and groupings) by programmatically assigning evaluation algorithms to match the specific sensor configuration. This allows a single production line to manufacture standardized units that can be software-configured for various operating functionalities, maintaining production simplicity while achieving operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor configuration and evaluation algorithm assignment flexible and changeable through software. The control unit can dynamically adapt to different numbers and arrangements of touch sensors by programmatically configuring which sensors are active and how they are grouped for different operating modes. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the system to maintain production simplicity while achieving versatile functionality.
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 enables household appliances to be operated using diverse methods, enhancing user ergonomics and comfort while allowing for customizable and cost-effective production of different operating units with varying degrees of complexity and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
The touch sensors (10) work on a capacitive basis
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A series of household appliances has at least two household appliances with different operating units. The operating units have circuit boards (4) with an identical circuit board layout (2), which are fitted with a number of touch sensors (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f). These can be fitted variably at predefined positions on the printed circuit board (4) and/or discrete functions can be assigned to them under software control. Different evaluation algorithms can be assigned to a fixed group of touch sensors (10) in order to set the value of an operating parameter of the household appliance.