Rotary Hob Switch Indicator With Color-Coded Power Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hotplates with rotary switches face challenges in precise power regulation due to the large distance between position markings and power status symbols, making it difficult to accurately read and adjust the power settings, especially in unfavorable lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated indicator is positioned below or next to the power range marking on the hotplate, using a color filter to create a color shift and highlight the current power status symbol, allowing for precise reading and adjustment, even in poor lighting, with the indicator being designed to pass through specific colors like blue to ensure visibility amidst food residue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If power status symbols are arranged around the rotary switch at a relatively large distance, then the display area is sufficient, but it becomes difficult to read the position precisely and regulate the rotary switch accurately
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide is introduced as an intermediary element between the light source and the display area. The light guide channels and concentrates light to illuminate the position marking and power status symbols more intensely, enabling precise reading despite the relatively large distance between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color-coded power status symbols (e.g., green, yellow, red indicators) that change or vary in intensity based on the selected power level. This color differentiation enhances the visibility and readability of the power status, allowing users to accurately determine the setting even from a distance.
2Loss of information
If power status symbols are arranged around the rotary switch, then the power status can be displayed, but the position marking is at a relatively large distance from the setting markings making precise regulation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide acts as a mediator that optically connects the position marking on the rotary switch with the power status symbols around it. By channeling light through the light guide, the visual connection between these elements is strengthened, making it easier to align the position marking with the correct power status symbol for precise regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension through the light guide structure that bridges the gap between the rotary switch position marking and the power status symbols. This optical pathway in three-dimensional space allows information to be transmitted effectively across the distance, facilitating easier and more precise operation.
3Illumination intensity
If a colored translucent screen is attached to the rotary switch, then the window is illuminated in color for easier recognition, but the position marking is still at a relatively large distance from the setting markings
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide serves as an intermediary that complements the colored translucent screen. While the screen provides color illumination for recognition, the light guide channels and concentrates the light to ensure that the position marking and power status symbols are illuminated with sufficient intensity and precision, overcoming the distance issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The colored translucent screen works in conjunction with the light guide to create enhanced color-coded illumination. The screen filters and emits colored light that highlights both the position marking and power status symbols, making them more visible and easier to distinguish despite the distance between them.
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 enables more precise and easy regulation of the hotplate power, improving usability by providing clear, color-coded feedback directly aligned with the power status symbols, enhancing accuracy and visibility.
Implementation Method 1
The indicator is at least one color filter which only allows light to pass through at least one color or which filters out light of at least one color, ie causes a color shift in the light passing through the indicator
Implementation Method 2
an illuminated indicator is located in, in particular below or above and/or directly next to, the area of the power range marking that is associated with the current position or orientation of the switch shaft
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
In order to refine a switch device (100; 100') for a household appliance in such a manner that the power of the household appliance, such as a burner, an oven, or a stove, can be regulated more precisely and easily, it is proposed to dispose at least one indicator (40) for displaying the power state of the household appliance, set by way of varying the position or orientation of the switch shaft (10), on the switch shaft (10).