Parametrizable Control Pad with Capacitive Sensor for Building Installations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control pads for building installations are inflexible and require hardware modifications to accommodate changes in the number or type of installations, leading to resource wastage and short usage time when renovations occur.
Innovation Solution
A parametrizable control pad equipped with a capacitive area sensor and a logic unit that receives software-based parameterization to detect user inputs and convert them into control signals for building installations, allowing for flexible operation without hardware changes, and optionally featuring a BUS or wireless interface for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a control pad is provided with a fixed number of operating elements implemented via hardware, then the control pad structure is simple and reliable, but the control pad cannot adapt to changes in the number or type of building installations, requiring replacement during renovations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical hardware operating elements with a capacitive touch sensor and software-based operation functions. The capacitive area sensor detects touch inputs, and the logic unit interprets these inputs based on programmable parameterizations to simulate various operating elements (buttons, rockers, sliders). This substitution allows the control pad to adapt to different building installation configurations through software reconfiguration rather than hardware changes, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameterizable operation functions that can be dynamically configured through parameter sets received via interface units. The logic unit stores multiple parameterizations and can switch between them to adapt the control pad's behavior to different building installation scenarios. This parameter-based configuration enables the same hardware to provide different numbers and types of operating elements by changing software parameters, thereby achieving adaptability without increasing physical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware components are used to implement operating elements, then manufacturing and operation are straightforward, but any modification requires hardware changes leading to resource wastage
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing physical hardware operating elements with a capacitive touch sensor interface and software-based operation functions, the patent eliminates the need for hardware modifications when adapting to different building installation configurations. The capacitive area sensor remains constant, while the operation functions are dynamically reconfigured through parameter sets, preventing material waste from discarded hardware components during renovations or modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal control pad platform where a single hardware design can serve multiple building installation configurations through software reconfiguration. The capacitive area sensor combined with parameterizable operation functions allows the same physical device to adapt to various numbers and types of building installations, eliminating the need to manufacture and discard specialized hardware variants for different scenarios, thereby reducing material and manufacturing resource waste.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a control pad is designed for a specific number of building installations, then the control pad can be manufactured simply, but it becomes useless when the number of installations changes due to renovation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed hardware operating elements with a capacitive touch sensor and programmable logic unit that can be reconfigured through parameter sets. This substitution extends the control pad's usable lifespan by enabling software-based adaptation to different building installation configurations without requiring hardware replacement, directly addressing the issue of shortened usage time due to renovations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the control pad through parameterizable operation functions. The logic unit can dynamically switch between different parameterizations to adapt to changing building installation requirements. This dynamic capability allows the control pad to remain functional across different renovation scenarios, significantly extending its service life without complicating the manufacturing process, as the hardware remains static while the software adapts.
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 flexible and efficient control of various building installations with reduced material and labor costs, extending the control pad's usage time and application range by allowing software-driven adjustments to operation functions.
Implementation Method 1
The control pad (200) has a capacitive area sensor (20)
Data Source
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AI summary
A technique for a parametrizable control pad (200) and a parametrization method (1000) configured to control at least one building installation by a user is provided. The control pad comprises a capacitive area sensor (20), an interface unit (22) configured to receive a parameterization for the capacitive area sensor, the parametrization comprising at least one operation function, and a logic unit (24) configured to parametrize the capacitive area sensor according to the parameterization. When parametrized according to the parameterization, the capacitive area sensor (20) is configured to detect a user input to the at least one operation function the logic unit is (24) configured to convert the user input to the at least one operation function into a control signal for the at least one building installation.