Rotary Ring Interface With Light Strip for Visible Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices for household appliances with rotary rings do not effectively convey the rotational position of the ring to users, making it difficult to understand and set the desired operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A ring-shaped circumferential optical light band is positioned adjacent to and separate from the rotary ring, displaying the rotary path as a continuous or segmented line, allowing users to easily recognize the rotational position and associated operating conditions, while maintaining a compact design and allowing the display area to remain stationary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotary ring is used for setting operating conditions, then the appliance can be operated and adjusted, but the rotary position is not easily recognizable by users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies optical light bands that change visibility or intensity based on rotary position, providing visual feedback to users. The light bands are arranged to be visible through or beside the rotary ring, allowing users to easily recognize the current rotary position and understand which operating condition is selected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical display system (light bands and diffusers) that mediates between the mechanical rotary ring and the user's perception. This intermediary converts the mechanical position into optical information that is easily readable, solving the problem of poor recognizability without altering the rotary mechanism itself.
2Loss of information
If light sources are integrated into the rotary ring, then the rotary position can be displayed, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light sources from the rotary ring structure itself and places them in a separate, stationary arrangement behind or beside the ring. This separation allows the rotary ring to remain simple and mechanical while the optical display system independently provides position feedback, reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical display is segmented into multiple light bands arranged in specific patterns (e.g., radial, circumferential, or segmented arcs) that can independently indicate different aspects of rotary position. This segmentation allows for efficient visual encoding of position information without requiring a complex integrated system.
3Loss of information
If the display area is integrated with the rotary ring, then additional information can be displayed, but the display information rotates with the ring causing distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the display area from the rotary ring, creating a separate stationary display region. This allows information to be displayed in a stable, non-rotating frame of reference while the rotary ring continues to rotate independently for setting operating conditions, eliminating the distortion problem entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the display area in a different spatial dimension or plane relative to the rotary ring, such as placing it behind the ring or in a fixed position on the appliance face. This dimensional separation allows both the rotary ring and display to coexist without interfering with each other's function or stability.
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
Enhances user understanding of the rotary ring's position and required rotation for setting operating conditions, improving usability and maintaining a compact design without obstructing the light band with the user's fingers.
Implementation Method 1
light guides are arranged in a control element, which guide light to the edge sides of the control element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device (3) for a domestic appliance (1), comprising an operating element (5, 6), which has a rotary ring (7), by means of which operating conditions of the domestic appliance (1) can be set in accordance with a rotational motion, and which operating element (5, 6) has an electronic display area (8), which is surrounded by the rotary ring (7), wherein an annularly circumferentially extending optical light strip (9) is formed adjacent to the rotary ring (7) and separate therefrom, by means of which light strip the length of a rotational distance traveled by the rotary ring (7) during a rotational motion is optically indicated. The invention further relates to a domestic appliance (1).