Touchscreen Operating Unit for Heating Device Parameter Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating devices require extensive operating instructions, making it difficult for untrained users to operate them effectively.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a touchscreen operating unit that allows for intuitive input and display of instructions, enabling menu navigation, and internet connectivity, with a transparent casing for external operation and removable control unit for enhanced usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional operating interface is used, then the control unit can record and process instructions, but untrained users find it difficult to operate without extensive instructions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidoperating instructions complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or button-based operating interfaces with a touchscreen display interface. This substitution allows for graphical user interfaces, icons, and visual feedback that are intuitively understandable by untrained users, eliminating the need for extensive operating instructions while maintaining full control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The touchscreen display acts as an intermediary between the user and the control unit. It provides a visual mediation layer that translates complex control functions into simple, intuitive graphical interactions, thereby reducing the information loss and complexity barrier for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the control unit is integrated inside the casing, then it is protected, but it cannot be operated from outside the casing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of control unitVSAvoidexternal operability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control unit and touchscreen display into a single integrated assembly that is mounted inside the casing. This combination allows the control electronics to remain protected while the touchscreen surface extends to or through the casing, enabling external operation without exposing internal components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is nested within the casing structure, with the touchscreen display forming the interface layer. This nested arrangement allows the control unit to be protected inside while maintaining external accessibility through the touchscreen, effectively solving the contradiction between protection and operability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Loss of information

If the display shows all parameters, then complete information is provided, but the display becomes too small to read at high information density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiddisplay readability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic display system where the touchscreen can adjust its content presentation based on user interaction. The display can switch between different views, zoom levels, and information densities, allowing complete information to be displayed in an organized, readable manner rather than all parameters simultaneously at fixed density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the touchscreen's capability to navigate through multiple dimensions of information display. Instead of cramming all parameters into a single static view, the system provides multi-page, hierarchical, or collapsible display structures that maintain readability while delivering complete information across different display dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2972000B1Heating device with an operating unit and method for operating a heating device
Publication Date: 2020.05.27 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2972000B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2972000B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a heating device (10) comprising at least one heating unit (12), a heat transfer element (14), a control system (16), a covering (18) and an operating unit (20). The invention also relates to a method for operating said type of heating device (10). According to the invention, the operating unit (20) has a touch screen (22). One step of the method is characterized in that the touch screen (22) enables main parameters that are necessary for controlling the heating device (10) to be displayed, selected and manipulated .