Operating device for a domestic appliance with movable locking magnet in an operating element and household appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The strong magnetic field generated by control elements in household appliances can cause unwanted magnetic interactions with external objects and electronic devices, leading to misplacement or interference with devices like pacemakers and hearing aids.
Innovation Solution
The control element's holding magnet is designed to be movable, allowing it to change positions from a usage position generating a strong magnetic field to a stowed position reducing the magnetic field outside, with a positioning device and magnetic field shielding elements to control its movement and interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the holding magnet is arranged stationarily in the operating element to provide strong magnetic holding force, then the magnetic holding force is improved, but the magnetic field acts permanently outside the operating element causing unwanted magnetic interactions with external objects and electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The holding magnet is made movable within the operating element rather than being stationary. It can be positioned in a first position during operation to provide strong magnetic holding force, and moved to a second position when not in use to reduce the external magnetic field. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between maintaining strong holding force and minimizing harmful external magnetic interactions.
2Illumination intensity
If the holding magnet is positioned close to the underside of the control element to maximize magnetic field range, then the magnetic field strength outside the element is improved, but the magnetic field acts strongly on external objects when the element is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The holding magnet's position is dynamically adjusted based on operational state. During operation, it is positioned to maximize magnetic field range for effective interaction with the operating element receptacle. When not in use, it is repositioned to minimize the external magnetic field, thereby preventing unwanted attraction of external objects like kitchen tools or electronic devices.
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 configuration minimizes the magnetic field's impact on external objects and devices, preventing misplacement and interference, while maintaining a strong magnetic holding force when in use.
Implementation Method 1
The operating element is held in place on the operating element mount by means of magnetic holding force. The control element has an internal holding magnet for this purpose.
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic field of the holding magnet acts permanently in the operating element and also externally to the operating element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device (7) for a household appliance (1), with an operating element holder (8) and with an operating element (9) which can be positioned on and off the operating element holder (8), the operating element (9) being positioned by means of magnetic Holding force is held on the operating element receptacle (8) when placed thereon, and the operating element (9) has a holding magnet (12) for this purpose, the holding magnet (12) being arranged in the operating element (9) so that it can be moved in a defined manner. The invention also relates to a household appliance (1).