Touch-Sensitive Operating Area for Waterproof Weighing Machine Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices for scales are not watertight, making them difficult to hygienically clean, which is essential for maintaining high hygiene standards, especially in environments where high-pressure cleaners or chemicals are used.
Innovation Solution
A touch-sensitive operating area with a circular or star-shaped sliding area and an acknowledgment area, eliminating the need for mechanical controls, allowing for waterproof operation and easy cleaning, and incorporating a capacitive system for precise operation with haptic feedback and adaptable surface geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical operating elements (buttons, rotary knobs) are used, then ease of operation is improved, but waterproof capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical operating elements (buttons, rotary knobs) with a touch-sensitive operating area that detects touch inputs through electrical field changes. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts that would compromise waterproof sealing, allowing the housing to be completely sealed while maintaining full operational functionality through capacitive or resistive touch sensing.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical operating elements are used, then ease of operation is improved, but ease of cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical buttons and knobs with a flat touch-sensitive surface, the patent creates a smooth, seamless operating interface with no crevices, gaps, or moving parts where dirt and moisture could accumulate. This allows the entire surface to be easily wiped clean and enables the use of high-pressure cleaners without risk of damaging mechanical components.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical operating elements are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical assemblies (multiple buttons, springs, rotational mechanisms) with a single integrated touch-sensitive panel that can detect various input types (tap, swipe, press duration) through electrical field measurements. This reduces the number of separate components, simplifies the internal structure, and eliminates the need for mechanical linkages while providing equivalent or enhanced operational capabilities.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, user-friendly, and hygienically cleanable operating device that is waterproof, ensuring high hygiene standards and intuitive operation, while maintaining robustness and ergonomic design.
Implementation Method 1
the operating area is designed as a resistive, capacitive or inductive system
Implementation Method 2
the operating area is designed as a resistive, capacitive or inductive system
Data Source
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AI summary
The operating device (5) has a display unit (7) that is equipped with a display area for displaying the weighing results, and a touch-sensitive trained operating area. Several circular or star-shaped sliding elements (16) are provided around the acknowledgement region (13) set around the sliding surfaces (14) of the touch-sensitive trained operating area. A display screen of the display unit is set as the resistive, capacitive or inductive touch screen.