Oven with a touch door handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ovens lack a touch-detecting door handle feature that allows automatic door opening without the need for additional components, increasing costs and design complexity.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a touch sensor and electronic module within the oven's metal handle, utilizing a capacitive or induction sensor that detects electrical changes caused by user contact, triggering the automatic door opening mechanism through the master control unit, without requiring extra structural elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a touch sensor is integrated into the door handle, then automatic door opening function is achieved, but additional components and structural complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the touch sensor functionality directly into the existing door handle structure. The handle serves dual purposes: as a mechanical component for manual door opening and as an integrated touch sensor for automatic door opening initiation. This merging eliminates the need for separate touch sensor components and reduces overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The door handle is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical lever for manual door opening, a structural element of the door assembly, and an integrated touch sensor for detecting user contact. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies the overall device structure.
2Extent of automation
If additional decorative elements are added for touch detection, then touch detection function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor is integrated into the existing door handle rather than adding separate decorative elements. The handle's existing structure serves as the sensor housing, eliminating the need for additional decorative strips or covers and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The door handle becomes a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a structural element, a mechanical operating lever, and a touch sensor housing. This eliminates the need for separate decorative elements solely for touch detection, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Extent of automation
If the handle is coated with insulating layer, then touch sensor functionality is enabled, but electrical conductivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating coating is applied selectively to specific areas of the handle where user contact is detected, while maintaining electrical contact points at other locations. This localized approach ensures touch sensor functionality is enabled where needed while preserving electrical conductivity pathways for signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer acts as an intermediary that enables capacitive touch detection while electrical contact points or conductive elements provide pathways for signal transmission. The system uses the insulating layer's properties to detect touch through capacitance changes while maintaining electrical connectivity through dedicated contact points.
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
Enables both manual and automatic door opening, enhancing user convenience by eliminating the need for additional components and maintaining the oven's structural integrity, while allowing control of other appliance functions through detected signals.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a capacitive or induction sensor that detects electrical changes caused by user contact
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a capacitive or induction sensor that detects electrical changes caused by user contact
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The oven with touch door handle, characterised in that the metal surface of the door handle (4) coated with an insulating layer, is part of the touch-detecting sensor, while the metal part of the handle (4) is electrically connected to an electronic module (9) recording changes of electrical parameters generated by the touch sensor. Electronic module (9) is built in the PCB (11) located inside the door (3) of the oven (1) and electrically connected to the touch sensor with metal connectors (12) located inside the brackets (13) for fixing the handle (4) to the door (3) of the oven (1) and electrically connecting the holder (4) of the oven (1 ) to the PCB (11 ). PCB (11) is electrically connected to the metal structural elements (15) of the door (3) of the oven (1) by means of a pair of attached to the PCB (11) resilient elements (16) in contact with the second pair of resilient elements (17), respectively fixed to the first and second metal structural element (15) of the door (3) of the oven (1 ). Metal structural elements (15) of the door (3) of the oven are connected to the master control unit (8) by means of hinges (5).