Method for operator guidance, cover component, production of a cover component, household appliance having a cover component

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional household appliance control panels with multiple user interaction options are costly to produce and difficult to operate, as they require complex designs and numerous switches or buttons, making them unsuitable for low-cost batch production and user-friendly operation.

Innovation Solution

A method for selective user guidance using a panel component with a sensor layer hidden beneath a cover layer, allowing for flexible activation of sections to record and evaluate user inputs, combined with discrete display elements for intuitive operation, enabling extended user interaction with reduced production effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches or buttons are provided for extended user interaction, then user input options are increased, but production cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input optionsVSAvoidcontrol panel complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single touch-sensitive surface serves multiple functions by detecting different touch positions, durations, and patterns to enable various user inputs including program selection, parameter adjustment, and mode switching, replacing the need for multiple dedicated buttons and switches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch-sensitive surface is divided into multiple detectable zones or positions that can be independently activated, allowing different functions to be assigned to different areas while using a unified input interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches or buttons are provided for extended user interaction, then user input options are increased, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input optionsVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Mechanical buttons and switches are replaced with a touch-sensitive surface that detects finger touches, proximity, or gestures, providing a more intuitive and easier operating interface while maintaining extended functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch-sensitive surface can dynamically adjust its response based on touch characteristics such as duration, pressure, or movement pattern, enabling flexible interaction modes that adapt to different user intentions without requiring separate controls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a touch-sensitive display surface is used for extended user interaction, then user input options are increased, but production cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input optionsVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs cost-effective touch-sensitive technologies such as capacitive sensors or resistive touch layers that can be manufactured at lower costs compared to full graphical touch displays, while still providing extended user interaction capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The display function is separated from the touch-sensitive input function, allowing the use of a simple, low-cost touch-sensitive surface without the expense of a full graphical display, extracting only the necessary input capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 allows for a high-quality, visually appealing control panel with flexible configuration options, supporting multiple variants while simplifying user interaction and reducing production costs, even with small batch sizes.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor layer being designed to detect touches or approaches

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2884187B2Method for operator guidance, cover component, production of a cover component, household appliance having a cover component

Publication Date: 2022.03.09 PAS DEUTLAND

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for selective operator guidance for operator inputs, in particular for operator inputs in a household appliance (10), a panel component (14), in particular for an operating panel (12) for a household appliance (10), and a method for producing a panel component (14 ), In particular for a control panel (12) of a household appliance (10). The screen component (14) can have a cover layer (20), a sensor layer (22) which at least partially covers a rear side of the cover layer (20) and a display layer (24) with at least one discrete display element (30), the sensor layer (22) of the cover layer (20) and the at least one discrete display element (30), the sensor layer (22) being designed to detect operator inputs, in particular operator gestures, the sensor layer (22) depending on a desired input mode can be activated in sections, and wherein the at least one discrete display element (30) can be controlled for selective operator guidance.