Axially Symmetrical Rotary Knob with Nested Drive Unit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional controllable rotary knobs require significant space for their motor and components, leading to increased dimensions and making them unsuitable for devices with limited space or small installation heights, and manual control of multiple knobs is laborious and not user-friendly.
Innovation Solution
The design features an axially symmetrical drive unit with a coaxial arrangement and a planetary gear system, allowing for compact dimensions and the ability to connect to rotary shafts of various dimensions, enabling both manual and automated control with a mechanical override option, and a detachable control panel for easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional controllable rotary knobs are used with motor and components, then automated control functionality is achieved, but the dimensions and installation space increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is positioned inside the operating part housing, with the rotor or stator arranged on the inside near the shaft. The connecting element is received within the operating part, creating a nested configuration where components are housed within one another to minimize overall dimensions while maintaining automated control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional lateral arrangements of motor and components to an axially symmetrical design where the drive unit is positioned along the axial dimension. This allows the rotor or stator to be arranged on the inside near the shaft, utilizing the axial space efficiently and reducing the radial dimensions for installation
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rotary knobs are manually controlled, then each parameter can be adjusted, but the control process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated drive unit that can remotely adjust the rotary knob position. The drive unit receives control signals to automatically position the operating part, eliminating the need for manual rotation and significantly reducing control time while maintaining full parameter adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The controllable rotary knob can be positioned automatically by the drive unit without requiring manual operation. The system serves itself by receiving remote control signals and autonomously adjusting to the desired position, making the control process efficient and time-saving
3Extent of automation
If the drive unit and components are housed in a conventional arrangement, then automated control is possible, but the external dimensions increase and appearance is negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The operating part is designed as a housing that surrounds the drive unit and connecting element, creating a nested configuration where smaller components are housed within the main structure. This minimizes external dimensions while containing all necessary automated control components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts an axially symmetrical design with the drive unit positioned along the axial dimension rather than laterally. The rotor or stator is arranged on the inside near the shaft, utilizing axial space efficiently and reducing the overall external dimensions for better appearance and compact installation
4Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed control panel is used, then the structure is stable, but replacement and customization become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The operating part is designed as a detachable control panel that can be separated from the base. This segmentation allows the control panel to be removed and replaced with different panels (alternative colors, finishes, or materials) while the base with the drive unit remains stable and fixed to the device surface
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel transitions from a fixed to a detachable configuration, allowing it to be removed and reattached as needed. This dynamic design enables easy replacement and customization while maintaining structural stability when assembled, as the control panel connects to the stable base
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 design reduces the overall size of the rotary knob, allows for sensitive control, and enables easy attachment to various surfaces without mounting holes, while maintaining functionality even when de-energized, and provides a user-friendly interface with additional input and display options.
Implementation Method 1
the design of the gear as a planetary gear makes it possible to realize a variable translation between the drive unit, control panel and connecting element
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~6
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a controllable rotary knob (1), which has at least one base (2), at least one drive unit (3) rigidly connected to the base (2), at least one gear mechanism (4), and an operating part (5), wherein the operating part (5) is embodied as a housing surrounding the drive unit (3) and the gear mechanism (4), wherein the gear mechanism (4) produces a connection between drive unit (3) and the operating part (5), wherein the drive unit (3) has an axially symmetrical structure, and drive unit (3) and operating element (5) are arranged coaxially relative to each other.