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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliance operating devices require manual operation and are limited in functionality, necessitating an improved technique for more nuanced and user-friendly interaction.
Innovation Solution
An operating device for household appliances utilizing two spaced-apart structure-borne sound sensors to determine the location of an impulse on a surface, coupled with a processing unit to identify the associated function, and a display device to provide visual cues for user guidance, allowing for precise and intuitive appliance control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but functionality and precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with acoustic field-based operation. Structure-borne sound sensors detect vibrations and impulses on the appliance surface, converting mechanical interactions into electrical signals for processing. This allows users to operate the appliance through taps, knocks, or vibrations on the surface, enabling more precise control and multiple functions while maintaining ease of use.
2Measurement precision
If structure-borne sound sensors are spaced apart, then location determination precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into multiple discrete structure-borne sound sensors positioned at different locations on the appliance surface. Each sensor independently detects local vibrations, and the control unit processes signals from multiple sensors to triangulate the impulse location. This segmentation enables precise location determination while keeping individual sensor units simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that receives and processes signals from multiple structure-borne sound sensors. The control unit analyzes the timing and characteristics of vibrations detected by different sensors to calculate the location of impulses. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by centralizing the complex signal processing and location calculation algorithms.
3Ease of operation
If visual cues are provided dynamically, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic visual cues that are activated periodically or on-demand based on operational context. The display device provides visual guidance such as highlighting active zones or showing operation status only when needed, rather than continuously. This periodic activation reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective user guidance during critical interaction moments.
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
Enables more accurate and user-friendly operation of household appliances, especially for individuals with physical limitations, by precisely determining the location of an impulse and providing dynamic visual cues for improved user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
two structure-borne sound sensors (115, 120) which are designed to be spaced apart from one another on a surface of a body (125)
Implementation Method 2
The processing device (110) is configured to determine, based on sensor values from the structure-borne sound sensors (115, 120), a location (130) on the surface of the body (125) where an impulse was introduced into the body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An operating device for a household appliance comprises a first and a second structure-borne sound sensor and a processing apparatus. The structure-borne sound sensors are designed to be applied to the surface of a predetermined body in a manner spaced apart from one another. The processing apparatus is designed to determine, on the basis of sensor values from the structure-borne sound sensors, a location on the surface of the body at which a pulse was introduced into the body; to determine that the location is situated in a predetermined section of the surface; and to determine a function of the household appliance that is associated with the section.