Electrical domestic appliance with an operating device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing household appliances with operating devices face challenges in providing a simple, easy-to-manufacture, and effectively fixed yet elastically movable printed circuit board (PCB) solution, which is crucial for reliable operation of touch switches and sensor elements.

Innovation Solution

The integration of holding sections directly formed from the printed circuit board through cuts allows for a firm and lasting connection while enabling elastic movement, eliminating the need for additional elastic holders or metal springs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional elastic holders or metal springs are used to mount the PCB, then the PCB can be elastically fixed, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelastic fixation of PCBVSAvoidnumber of mounting components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding sections are integrally formed as part of the PCB itself through cuts in the board, merging the mounting function directly into the PCB structure. This eliminates the need for separate elastic holders or metal springs, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable elastic fixation of the PCB in the operating device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The PCB serves its own mounting function through the integrally formed holding sections that provide elastic engagement with the operating device. The PCB's own structure, modified by cuts to create flexible holding sections, provides the elastic fixation capability without requiring external mounting components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If the PCB is rigidly fixed in the operating device, then positioning is precise, but elastic movement capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePCB positioningVSAvoidelastic movement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The PCB is segmented by cuts that create distinct holding sections separated from the main board structure. These segmented holding sections can deflect independently while the main PCB remains securely positioned, enabling both precise positioning and elastic movement capability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding sections are designed with elastic properties that allow them to dynamically adjust during operation. The cuts create flexible regions that can deflect under load while maintaining secure engagement, providing adaptive positioning that combines precision with movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple separate mounting components are used, then secure fixation is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixation of PCBVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting function is merged into the PCB manufacturing process itself. The holding sections are created as integral features through cuts made during PCB fabrication, eliminating the need for separate mounting components and simplifying the overall manufacturing process while ensuring reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The PCB manufacturing process creates its own mounting features. The same PCB fabrication process that creates the circuit board also creates the holding sections with appropriate elastic properties, making the PCB self-sufficient for mounting without requiring additional components or assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 provides a cost-effective, easy-to-manufacture, and reliable method for securing and elastically mounting the PCB within household appliances, ensuring proper operation of touch switches and sensor elements.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one holding section has at least one free holding end region which is elastically movable relative to the remaining printed circuit board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4194758B1Electrical domestic appliance with an operating device

Publication Date: 2025.06.04 E G O ELEKTRO GERAETEBAU GMBH

Figure 1~3
Figure 4

AI summary

An operating device for an electrical domestic appliance, the operating device comprising a printed circuit board with electrical components thereon, the printed circuit board having several holding sections and a holding device for the printed circuit board to hold it positively and fixedly by engaging the holding sections. The holding sections are integrally formed out of the printed circuit board by respective cuts through the printed circuit board, and the holding sections are connected integrally to the remaining printed circuit board such that they are integral with and integrally connected in one piece to the remaining printed circuit board. The holding sections each have a free holding end region, which free holding end region is elastically movable relative to the remaining printed circuit board in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the remaining printed circuit board.