Heating / air conditioning and / or ventilating device with an operating unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating/air conditioning and ventilation devices with touch control units face the challenge of requiring a separate control unit when the housing is opened for service, as the existing control unit is integrated with the housing front and cannot function independently.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual control surface system, where a first control surface is integrated into the housing and a second control surface can be positioned in front of the detection element, allowing operation with the housing both closed and open, using a detection element that adapts to the current control surface for touch detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the control unit is integrated with the housing front using touch buttons, then the front panel can be closed without mechanical buttons, but the control unit cannot function when the housing is opened for service
Solution Approach 1:
The operating surface is segmented into a first operating surface integrated with the housing front and a second operating surface that can be positioned in front of the detection element when the housing is open. This segmentation allows the control unit to function in both closed and open housing states using a single control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with universal functionality to operate with either the first operating surface (when housing is closed) or the second operating surface (when housing is open). The detection element can detect operations through either surface, making the control unit adaptable to different housing states without requiring separate control units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a second control surface is added for operation when housing is open, then operation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second operating surfaces are merged in function, as both can be used with the same detection element and control unit. The second operating surface can be positioned in front of the detection element when the housing is open, and both surfaces share the same detection mechanism, reducing the need for separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The second operating surface is designed to be movable or repositionable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned in front of the detection element when needed and moved away when not needed. This dynamic arrangement allows the system to adapt to different operating states without requiring permanent structural modifications.
3Measurement precision
If the detection element is calibrated for a specific operating surface, then detection precision is improved, but calibration consistency across different surfaces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second operating surfaces are designed to be homogeneous in terms of their interaction with the detection element. Both surfaces are made of the same material and have the same thickness, ensuring that the detection element experiences identical physical conditions when detecting touches on either surface. This homogeneity allows a single calibration to work for both surfaces.
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 seamless operation with a single control unit regardless of the housing state, maintaining a closed front without additional recesses and allowing for calibration consistency across control surfaces, enhancing usability and production simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
The detection element detects an operation by touching the operating surface or approaching the operating surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a heating/air conditioning and/or ventilation unit (1) with a control unit (20) comprising at least one detection element (26). It is proposed that at least one first control surface (40) and a second control surface (50) are provided, and that at least one detection element (26) is configured to detect operation of the control unit (20) via the control surface (40, 50), which is positioned in front of the detection element (26), wherein the first control surface (40) is part of the housing (10) of the heating/air conditioning and/or ventilation unit (1) and is positioned in front of the detection element (26) when the housing (10) is closed, and wherein the second control surface can be positioned in front of the detection element (26) when the housing (10) is open.