Movable Hob Control Knob for Multi-Zone Power Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical appliance control systems require multiple operator control elements for each functional unit, leading to increased complexity and inconvenience, while also lacking efficient methods for switching off or adjusting cooking points without moving the control elements.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a single or fewer operator control elements with sensors on the mounting points to enable convenient and versatile control, allowing adjustment of functional units through touch or rotation, with capacitive or magnetic sensing to identify the control element and its position, and allowing for power adjustment or switching off without moving the element, using a combination of sensors for intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operator control elements are provided for each functional unit, then each functional unit can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single operator control element is designed to control multiple functional units sequentially. The control element can be mounted on different mounting points corresponding to different functional units, allowing one element to perform the control function for multiple units rather than requiring separate control elements for each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions for different functional units are merged into a single operator control element. The element integrates the control capability for multiple units, reducing the total number of control elements from multiple (one per functional unit) to a single unified control element that can be sequentially applied to different mounting points.
2Device complexity
If a single operator control element is used for multiple functional units, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation may be compromised due to sequential control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the mounting position of the operator control element. When the element is mounted on a specific mounting point, the system activates control for the corresponding functional unit. The control element can be dynamically moved between different mounting points to control different units, providing flexibility without requiring multiple fixed control elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The operator control element serves itself by being mounted on different mounting points to control different functional units. The element carries its own control functionality and can be independently positioned on any mounting point, allowing the operator to control different units by simply moving the element rather than manipulating multiple separate controls.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the operator control element remains mounted on a mounting point, then the functional state is maintained, but the ability to switch off or adjust other functional units is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains the functional state (power level, settings) of a controlled unit when the operator control element is mounted on its mounting point. This preliminary establishment of control state allows the operator to work on one functional unit while preserving its settings, and later switch to control other units by moving the element to their respective mounting points.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically switches between maintaining the state of one functional unit and enabling control of another functional unit based on the position of the operator control element. When the element is mounted on a mounting point, the system provides stability for that unit; when moved to another mounting point, the system dynamically transitions to allow control of the new unit, providing both stability and flexibility.
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
This solution reduces the need for multiple operator control elements, maintains the functional state of cooking points after the element is removed, and allows for quick and intuitive switching off or adjustment, enhancing operational reliability and user convenience by integrating timer functions and safety measures.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor for a touch switch is provided on or beneath the mounting point... and also a sensor for identifying the rotation or rotation position of the operator control element is provided on or beneath the mounting point. This can take place capacitively
Implementation Method 2
As an alternative, this can take place magnetically with Hall sensors
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for operating an electrical appliance such as a hob, the electrical appliance has a plurality of functional units, an operator control surface and a freely movable operator control element for mounting on the operator control surface, with a mounting point for the operator control element provided on the operator control surface for each functional unit. A sensor for a touch switch and a sensor for identifying the rotation of the operator control element are provided on the mounting point. The mounting of an operator control element on the mounting point is identified and evaluated as an activation indication of the associated functional unit. Subsequent rotation of the operator control element is identified and effects a change in the functional unit, with a functional state of the corresponding functional unit being maintained after the operator control element is removed from the mounting point.