Rotary Appliance Control With Push Switching for Complex Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical device controllers are limited in their ability to implement complex functions beyond simple power control, as they primarily rely on angular position registration, making it difficult to manage more intricate operations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a switching mechanism on the rotary or sliding control that transmits signals to a control device under the support surface, allowing for additional functionalities such as on/off switching, mode changes, and special functions, along with the use of push buttons or touch switches for enhanced operational capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotary control with angular position registration is used, then simple power control functions are achieved, but complex control functions cannot be implemented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol function complexityVSAvoidoperating device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary control is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect angular position for power control, detect pushing actions for mode selection, and detect rotational direction for parameter adjustment. This multi-functionality allows complex control operations to be achieved through a single integrated operating device, resolving the contradiction between functional versatility and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A bearing device is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotary control and the support surface. This bearing device provides a stable reference frame and enables the rotary control to detect both angular position and pushing actions independently, facilitating complex control functions without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the rotary control is directly connected to the control device, then signal transmission is simple, but accidental operation and contamination risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation safetyVSAvoidoperational convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operating device is segmented into distinct functional components: the rotary control element, the bearing device, and the control device. This segmentation allows the rotary control to be positioned away from the support surface, reducing contamination risks while maintaining signal transmission capabilities through the bearing device, thus improving reliability without significantly compromising ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing device serves as an intermediary that transmits signals from the rotary control to the control device while providing mechanical stability. This intermediary structure enables reliable signal transmission and reduces accidental operation risks by providing a stable reference frame, while maintaining operational convenience through the rotary control's accessible position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP1775650B1Operating device for an electric appliance
Publication Date: 2012.07.11 E G O ELEKTRO GERAETEBAU GMBH
  • EP1775650B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP1775650B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1775650B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The operating device (10) for an electrical appliance, preferably an electric heating appliance, has an operating unit (16) which includes a rotary or slide controller (24). At least one additional switching facility (38) is provided on the rotary or slide controller and provides a signal transmission of a switching action to a control unit (57) installed below the support face (12) of the electrical appliance. The switching facility may be a pushbutton for closing an electrical contact, or a contact switch or contact sensor, preferably on a capacitive base with a contact surface on the controller.