Portable operating device for controlling a cooking appliance from different operating positions, and cooking appliance system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable operating devices for kitchen appliances require a predetermined operating position, limiting user convenience and comfort in controlling the appliances.
Innovation Solution
A portable operating device with a displaceable control element, sensors for relative movement detection, and a communication unit for wireless transmission of control information, allowing flexible positioning and intuitive operation of kitchen appliances from various locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable operating device is fixed to a predetermined operating position, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of fixed physical operating surfaces with sensors distributed at predetermined positions with a portable operating device that wirelessly transmits control signals. The portable device uses a control element with sensor to detect relative movement and wirelessly communicates control information to the kitchen appliance, eliminating the need for physical connection and fixed positioning infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are equipped at each individual operating position, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable operating device serves multiple operating positions universally through wireless communication. Instead of having position-specific fixed surfaces, a single portable device can be placed at any location (kitchen worktop, kitchen table, or held in hand) and maintains communication with the kitchen appliance via wireless signals, making the control system position-independent and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operating device is made portable for flexible positioning, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability decreases due to heat exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces heat protection means as an intermediary between the portable operating device and hot surfaces. This protective layer (such as heat-resistant material or insulating structure) allows the device to be placed on hot kitchen surfaces like cooktops without transmitting harmful heat to the electronic components, maintaining reliability while preserving portability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable operating device for controlling a kitchen appliance from different operating positions having a base body, at least one control element, which is displaceable relative to the base body, for the user to input control information, at least one sensor for detecting a relative movement between the at least one control element and the base body, and a communication unit which is connected to the at least one sensor in a signal-transmitting manner in order to wirelessly transmit, to the kitchen appliance, control information which correlates with the relative movement.