Operating device for a domestic appliance and method for operating such an operating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliance operating devices are often overwhelmed with numerous manually operated switches and touch-sensitive elements, leading to user confusion and reluctance due to complex and non-intuitive operation modes.
Innovation Solution
A simplified operating device with a single manually operable control element and a single touch-sensitive electronic unit, where the control element is used for discrete mode selection and the electronic unit for precise parameter setting, ensuring a clear and logical division of tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple manually operated switches and touch-sensitive elements are used, then comprehensive operating mode selection and parameter setting are enabled, but user confusion and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The operating device is segmented into two distinct functional components: a rotary operating element for mode selection and a separate touch-sensitive operating unit for parameter setting. This segmentation divides the previously integrated control interface into specialized zones, each handling specific tasks, thereby reducing cognitive load and improving user guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional control hierarchy by making the rotary element solely responsible for mode selection while the touch-sensitive unit handles all parameter adjustments. This inversion clarifies the division of labor between mechanical and electronic controls, preventing the confusion that arises when both types attempt to perform overlapping functions.
2Ease of operation
If a single rotary operating element is used for mode selection, then operational simplicity is improved, but the ability to set detailed operating parameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive operating unit serves multiple functions: it displays operating mode information, allows parameter adjustment, and provides feedback on selected settings. This multi-functional design compensates for the limited capability of the single rotary element, ensuring comprehensive control functionality is maintained despite reducing the number of physical controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive operating unit acts as an intermediary between the user and the appliance's complex parameter settings. It translates the user's tactile inputs into precise parameter adjustments while displaying the results, thereby bridging the gap between simple rotary selection and detailed parameter control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both manual and electronic operating elements are combined, then comprehensive control functionality is achieved, but the number of components and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display and control functions into a single touch-sensitive operating unit, eliminating the need for separate display elements and multiple control switches. This consolidation achieves comprehensive control functionality while minimizing the total number of components compared to traditional designs with separate elements for each function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If numerous operating elements and display units are provided, then all operating conditions can be controlled, but user overwhelming and reluctance to operate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential control functions from a complex array of operating elements and concentrates them into two primary interfaces: the rotary element for mode selection and the touch-sensitive unit for parameter control. This extraction removes unnecessary complexity while preserving the ability to control all essential operating conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device for a domestic appliance, which has an operating element (2) and a display unit (17), wherein there is only one operating element (2), which can be turned in discrete stages, and an operating mode (5 to 15) of the domestic appliance is respectively characterized by the stages and can be selected by setting the stage of the operating element (2), and there is only one operating unit (16), arranged adjacent to the operating element (2) and having touch-sensitive operating areas (18 to 20), with which an operating parameter associated with the operating mode (5 to 15) selected by the operating element (2) can be set in terms of its value. The invention also relates to a domestic appliance comprising a corresponding operating device (1) and to a method for operating an operating device (1) for a domestic appliance.