Magnetic Knob Assembly With Press-and-Turn Inductive Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional magnetic control knobs for electrical apparatuses, such as gas stoves, lack both turning and pressing control functions, limiting their regulatory capabilities and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic control knob assembly with a snap-fitted top and bottom cover, incorporating a magnetic induction line cutter that changes the inductance of energized conductors in a conductor magnetic field generator when pressed, allowing for both rotational and pressing control functions without the need for through-holes in the casing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional magnetic control knobs are used without through-holes, then oil leakage is prevented and cleaning is easier, but the control functions are limited to rotation only

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil leakage preventionVSAvoidcontrol function diversity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact control mechanisms with a magnetic field-based control system. The magnetic control knob generates magnetic field signals that are detected by sensors inside the appliance, eliminating the need for mechanical through-holes while enabling both rotational and pressing control functions. This substitution allows the knob to maintain sealing integrity while achieving diversified control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If magnetic control knobs with only rotation function are used, then the structure is simple, but the regulatory capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveknob structure simplicityVSAvoidregulatory capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic control knob is designed to perform multiple functions using the same basic structure. By incorporating both rotational movement and pressing actions, the single knob can control different operational modes of the appliance (e.g., power on/off, mode selection, intensity adjustment). The magnetic field generation mechanism remains the same, but different physical actions (rotate vs. press) trigger different control functions, achieving multi-functionality without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If through-holes are arranged in the casing to connect knobs to control valves, then control function is achieved, but oil leakage occurs and cleaning becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol function implementationVSAvoidoil leakage and cleaning difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical through-holes by substituting them with a magnetic field-based signal transmission system. The magnetic control knob generates magnetic field signals that penetrate the casing material without requiring physical openings. Sensors positioned inside the appliance detect these magnetic signals and convert them into control commands, thereby maintaining full control functionality while completely preventing oil leakage through the casing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 diversified control functions, enhancing user experience by allowing both turning and pressing control, thereby improving the operational efficiency and reliability of the electrical apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

the top cover can be pressed to move toward the bottom cover, the magnetic induction line cutter cuts an electromagnetic field generated by the conductor magnetic field generator in the pressed movement process to change the inductance of energized conductors in the conductor magnetic field generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field cutting: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3621204B1Magnetic knob control and electrical apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 FOSHAN SHUNDE MIDEA WASHING APPLIANCES MANUFACTURING CO LTD
  • EP3621204B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3621204B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3621204B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of home appliances, and discloses a magnetic control knob assembly and an electrical apparatus. The magnetic control knob assembly comprises a magnetic control knob (100) and a conductor magnetic field generator arranged fixedly, wherein the magnetic control knob comprises top cover (1) and a bottom cover (2) that are snap-fitted with each other, and the top cover is connected with a magnetic induction line cutter (3); wherein the top cover can be pressed to move toward the bottom cover, the magnetic induction line cutter cuts an electromagnetic field generated by the conductor magnetic field generator in the pressed movement process to change the inductance of energized conductors in the conductor magnetic field generator. Thus, the change of the distance between the magnetic induction line cutter and the energized conductors can be ascertained by detecting and analyzing the inductance of the energized conductors or other parameters (e.g., resonant frequency, etc.) induced by the inductance of the energized conductors, and thereby a signal can be triggered to control the electrical apparatus. In that way, the magnetic control knob has both turning control function and pressing control function, i.e., the functions are more diversified, which is favorable for user operation and can greatly improve user experience.