Operating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices for domestic appliances, such as hobs, lack expanded operating functionality and suffer from manufacturing complexity and safety issues due to multiple sensor components and potential incorrect read-out signals from non-active areas.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with multiple sensor surfaces and a control unit that assigns functions to shared sensor means, utilizing electrodes on insulating units with shielding to prevent incorrect read-outs, allowing for enhanced functionality and safety through reduced component count and virtual sensor surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensor surfaces are assigned to separate sensor means, then each sensor surface can be independently detected, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor means into a single shared sensor means that serves multiple sensor surfaces. The control unit distinguishes between different sensor surfaces by detecting which specific area of the shared sensor means is activated, thereby reducing component quantity while maintaining independent detection capability for each sensor surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared sensor means is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting touches or approaches on different sensor surfaces. A single sensor means thus serves multiple purposes, controlling different functions associated with different sensor surfaces, which reduces overall device complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If sensor means covers entire panel area, then complete coverage is achieved, but incorrect read-out signals occur from inactive areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional properties to different areas of the sensor means. Specific areas are designated as active sensor regions while others are inactive. The control unit is configured to recognize signals only from designated active areas, ensuring that touches or approaches in inactive areas do not generate incorrect read-out signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that filters and interprets signals from the shared sensor means. It distinguishes between valid signals from active sensor areas and invalid signals from inactive areas, preventing incorrect operation while maintaining comprehensive area coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor means are used for different sensor surfaces, then independent control is achieved, but manufacturing effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple sensor means into one shared sensor means, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and wired. This significantly reduces manufacturing effort and costs while the control unit maintains the ability to provide independent control for each sensor surface through software-based differentiation.
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 provides increased operational safety and reduced manufacturing costs by enabling multiple functions with fewer components, while the shielding units prevent unintended triggering of functions when touching inactive areas, thus enhancing reliability and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive sensor elements for a capacitive touch or proximity switch
Implementation Method 2
at least one piezo sensor element under the control panel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
In order to provide an operating device with an advantageously expanded operating functionality, an operating device is proposed with at least one first sensor surface (10a-c) having a first operating function, at least one second sensor surface (12a-c) having a second operating function, at least one first sensor means (14a- c), which is functionally assigned to at least the first sensor surface (10a-c) and at least the second sensor surface (12a-c), and at least one first inactive area (16a-c) of the first sensor means (14a-c) in at least one surface area ( 17a-c) outside the first sensor area (10a-c) and the second sensor area (12a-c).