Control device for a domestic appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current selector devices for domestic appliances are inefficient and functionally limited as they separate the selection of programs or functions, activation, and signaling, leading to a lack of integration and practicality.
Innovation Solution
A selector device with a rotatable knob for selecting functions or programs, a drive button integrated within the knob for switching the appliance on/off, and lighting means for signaling, where a light guide ring diffuses light between the button and knob to create a luminous ring indicating the appliance's status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If selection means, drive means, and lighting means are separated into distinct components, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall device complexity increases and functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the selection means (rotatable knob), drive means (push button), and lighting means (light guide ring with LED) into a single integrated selector device. The drive button is positioned within the knob structure, and the light guide ring is integrated into the same assembly, creating a unified control interface that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated selector device serves multiple functions simultaneously: the rotatable knob selects programs or functions, the push button activates the appliance, and the light guide ring provides visual feedback. This multi-functional design allows a single component assembly to replace what would traditionally require separate controls, improving adaptability without increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the drive button is positioned in a remote location separate from the selection knob, then each control element can be independently accessed, but the overall ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive button is positioned within the knob structure itself, creating a compact integrated control unit. This allows the user to access both selection and activation functions in a single location, improving ease of operation by eliminating the need to reach for separately located controls while maintaining a simple overall layout.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lighting means are associated only with the drive button, then the activation signal is clearly indicated, but the integration with selection means is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting means are integrated into the selector device assembly, with the light guide ring positioned to provide visual feedback for both selection and activation states. The LED is associated with both the rotatable knob and push button, ensuring that signaling clarity is maintained while achieving full integration of all control elements into a unified 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, reliable, and effective selection, activation, and signaling of domestic appliance functions, providing a compact and practical solution that integrates selection, activation, and signaling in a single, intuitive interface.
Implementation Method 1
the selector device comprising at least a diffusion element of the light emitted by the lighting means, in which the diffusion element is positioned between the button and the knob and configured to deliver at least a light beam emitted by the lighting means at least between the knob and the button when the button is activated or de-activated
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Selector device for a domestic appliance (20), comprising: selection means (14) to select a determinate program and/or function of the domestic appliance (20), drive means (19) able to switch the domestic appliance (20) on or off and positioned in the selection means (14); and lighting means (28), suitable to signal that the apparatus (20) is switched on or off and associated with the selection means (14) and with the drive means (19).