Input device for an electrical device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices for electrical devices, such as cooking appliances and hobs, are not easily cleanable and are prone to contamination, lacking effective feedback mechanisms for user input.
Innovation Solution
A light-based input device with a base and actuator featuring vertically aligned reflection bodies and magnetic detent feedback, where the light beam is deflected within a prism, reducing contamination effects and providing a cleanable design with integrated reflection bodies and magnetic attachment for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional switches with rotatable shafts or optical encoders are used, then input functionality is achieved, but the device is difficult to clean and prone to contamination accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The reflection bodies are designed with curved, dome-shaped surfaces instead of flat or angular surfaces. This curvature eliminates corners and edges where contamination could accumulate, making the input device easily cleanable while maintaining optical functionality for reflection-based input detection
Solution Approach 2:
The reflection bodies are designed with specific optical properties to reflect light effectively. The curved surfaces are optimized to reflect measurement beams back to sensors, and their smooth surfaces prevent contamination accumulation while maintaining optical performance
2Measurement precision
If multiple reflection surfaces and complex structures are used to improve input detection, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The input actuator is divided into multiple discrete reflection bodies arranged in a circular pattern, each corresponding to a specific input position. This segmentation allows precise detection of rotational position while keeping each individual reflection body simple in structure and easy to clean
Solution Approach 2:
Each reflection body has a curved, dome-shaped surface that simplifies the optical path compared to complex multi-surface designs. The curvature enables effective light reflection with a single surface, reducing structural complexity while maintaining measurement precision
3Shape
If the input actuator is integrated deeply into the device front, then aesthetic design is improved, but access for cleaning and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The input actuator is designed as a separable component that can be easily removed from the base. This allows the actuator to be integrated into the device front for aesthetic purposes while enabling easy removal for cleaning and maintenance without compromising accessibility
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 contamination-resistant, easily cleanable input device with clear feedback through haptic and visual means, enhancing user experience and device durability.
Implementation Method 1
The base comprises at least one light source for producing a measurement beam and at least one sensor for detecting the reflected measurement beam, and the input actuator comprises a plurality of reflection bodies for reflecting the measurement beam onto the sensor
Implementation Method 2
Beam deflection within a prism is understood as a reflection. In particular, this design results in the beam being conducted inside the material for reflection
Implementation Method 3
the base has at least one magnet and the input actuator has a plurality of metallic sections. A trajectory of the metallic sections relative to the magnet is defined for input with the input device and detent-like haptic feedback is provided
Data Source
AI summary
An input device for an electrical device includes a base which can be attached to the electrical device and has at least one light source for producing a measurement beam, and at least one sensor for detecting the reflected measurement beam. An input actuator is movable in relation to the base and includes a plurality of reflection bodies for deflecting the measurement beam onto the sensor. Each reflection body has an entry area for entry of the measurement beam into the reflection body, at least one reflection surface for reflecting the measurement beam, and an outlet area for outlet of the measurement beam from the reflection body.