Motion-Sensing Control Knob With Integrated Display for Compact Panels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Control panels of machines with compact designs face challenges in optimizing spatial utilization without compromising ease and speed of operation, and there is a need to reduce power wastage, particularly in battery-powered appliances.
Innovation Solution
A control knob with an integrated electronic display module and motion sensor that allows touchless navigation and selection of operational modes, utilizing a compact design that includes a rotatable operational mode display controller and a detent mechanism for controlled incremental rotation, coupled with a microcontroller for signal processing and power-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control knobs are disposed on a control panel to control various operational modes, then the machine can control multiple operational modes, but the control panel space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The control knob is designed to perform multiple functions: it can rotate to select different operational modes, press to confirm selections, and integrate an electronic display to show selected modes. This multi-functionality allows a single control element to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate controls, thereby reducing control panel space while maintaining full operational control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control knob, electronic display module, and selection mechanism into a single integrated control unit. The electronic display is positioned within or adjacent to the control knob, merging information display and control input functions into one compact assembly, which significantly reduces the space required on the control panel
2Volume of moving object
If a compact design is used to reduce machine size, then the machine has compact design aesthetics, but the control panel space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control knob utilizes vertical stacking and three-dimensional integration rather than horizontal expansion. The electronic display is integrated within the vertical profile of the control knob assembly, and the detent mechanism operates in the vertical dimension through spring-loaded balls. This vertical integration allows compact horizontal footprint while maintaining full control functionality
3Device complexity
If traditional control knobs are used without motion sensing, then the structure is simple, but power is wasted particularly in battery-powered appliances
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor triggers the electronic display and control functionality only when hand motion is detected, creating a periodic on-demand activation pattern. The system transitions between sleep mode (low power) and active mode (full functionality) based on detected hand presence, significantly reducing average power consumption while maintaining full functionality when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor automatically detects hand approach and activates the control interface without requiring user intervention. The system self-regulates its power state based on environmental conditions (hand presence), eliminating the need for users to manually power the display on and off, and optimizing power consumption automatically
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
Enhances spatial efficiency on control panels while maintaining ease of use and reducing power consumption, particularly in battery-operated devices, by integrating a motion sensor for touchless operation and efficient signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
A motion sensor is configured for sensing motion of a user's hand
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A control knob for controlling operation of a machine, the control knob including: an attachment surface configured for attaching the control knob to a surface of the machine; a display member comprising an electronic display module disposed thereon; a motion sensor configured for sensing motion of the user's hand, said sensor being operably-connected to the display member such that, responsive to the motion sensor sensing motion of the user's hand, the display member is configured to switch operation from a sleep mode into an active mode; an operational mode display controller for controlling display of operational modes of the machine upon the electronic display module, said operational mode display controller being configured for rotational movement around the electronic display module amongst a plurality of rotational positions, said operational mode display controller being operably connected with the electronic display module such that, responsive to the rotational movement of the operational mode display controller amongst the plurality of rotational positions, the electronic display module is configured to display a plurality of operational modes of the machine corresponding to the plurality of rotational positions; and an operational mode selector for controlling selection of one of the plurality of operational modes of the machine when said one of the plurality of operational modes is displayed on the electronic display module, the operational mode selector being configured for depressible movement to actuate selection of the operational mode displayed on the electronic display module.