Single-Button Power and Speed Control for Handheld Kitchen Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliances, such as bar blenders, require separate switches for power on-off and speed control, which is inconvenient and limits the compactness and ease of use due to the need for galvanic separation of circuits, and existing combined switches are not practical for handheld devices.
Innovation Solution
A single push button mechanism integrates power on-off and speed control functions using a carrier with two actuators, one for the power switch and one for the speed control circuit, allowing for a compact and intuitive operation with minimal movement, utilizing travel sensing circuits for speed adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power switch and speed control switch are provided, then galvanic separation of circuits is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power switch and speed control switch into a single integrated switch assembly. The switch assembly includes a common actuator that can be operated in different ways (pressing, sliding, rotating) to perform both power on/off and speed control functions, eliminating the need for separate switches while maintaining circuit separation through the control circuit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The single switch assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: power on/off control and speed regulation. The common actuator can be operated in different modes (e.g., short press for power on, long press or sliding for speed control) to achieve various control functions, making the switch universal and reducing the total number of components.
2Reliability
If separate power switch and speed control switch are provided, then circuit separation is maintained, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power switch and speed control switch into a single integrated switch assembly with a common actuator. This allows the user to control both power and speed using one control mechanism, significantly improving ease of operation while the control circuit maintains galvanic separation through electronic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The common actuator is designed with multi-functional capability, allowing different operation modes (pressing, sliding, rotating) to trigger different functions. This universal design enables the user to access both power control and speed regulation through a single interface, enhancing user convenience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If long movement path switch is used, then speed control range is improved, but operation accuracy and perceived quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional linear movement switch to a multi-dimensional switch mechanism. The common actuator can be operated by pressing (vertical movement), sliding (horizontal movement), or rotating (angular movement), providing speed control through multiple dimensions. This allows for adequate speed control range while keeping the movement path short and precise.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch mechanism incorporates dynamic operation modes where the same actuator can perform different functions based on the manner of operation. For example, a short press may activate power while a long press or slide activates speed control, or different positions along the movement path correspond to different speed levels. This dynamic design provides versatile speed control with precise, short movements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A kitchen appliance has a power switch for controlling supply of power to a motor and a separate control circuit for controlling the speed. A button (14) for control by the user is provided for controlling both the actuation and speed. A carrier carries the button, and also carries a first actuator for mechanically actuating the power switch when the button is first moved. When the button is further moved, the motor speed is controlled.