Ventilating device for an interior space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ventilation devices in moisture-loaded interiors, such as bathrooms, face challenges with moisture sensitivity, leading to reduced durability and complex protection measures for manual operation switches, which affect the service life and convenience of parameterization.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a capacitive operating element and control device within a sealing compound on the housing wall of the ventilation device, allowing for contactless operation and enhanced moisture protection, with the control and operating devices being designed as a unit within the sealing compound to ensure reliable and durable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual switches are used for parameterization, then the ventilation device can be operated and configured, but the switches are sensitive to moisture leading to reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with capacitive touch sensors that detect changes in capacitance when a conductor (such as a finger) approaches or contacts the housing surface. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts that are susceptible to moisture damage, while maintaining ease of operation through contactless or minimal-contact interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing surface acts as an intermediary between the user and the control function. The capacitive sensor embedded in or on the housing detects electrical field changes caused by the user's proximity or contact, allowing control without direct exposure of sensitive electronic components to the moisture environment.
2Reliability
If the housing is sealed to protect against moisture, then durability is improved, but manual switches become inaccessible for reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical switches with capacitive touch sensors, the system allows control through electrical field detection rather than physical access to switch mechanisms. This enables the housing to remain sealed while maintaining operational accessibility through the capacitive interface that can be actuated through or near the housing surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive control elements serve multiple functions: they provide user interface capability while maintaining environmental sealing, and they can be positioned on the exterior housing surface allowing operation without compromising the sealed enclosure.
3Reliability
If complex protection measures are implemented for switches, then moisture protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for complex protective enclosures for mechanical switches by replacing them with capacitive sensors that can be integrated directly into the housing structure. The housing itself becomes the protective barrier, while the capacitive sensing elements require no additional protection since they have no moving parts exposed to the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control elements are merged with the housing structure itself, either embedded in or mounted on the exterior surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate protective housings or enclosures, as the housing serves both structural and protective functions while the capacitive sensors provide the control interface.
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
This configuration provides a moisture-proof and durable ventilation device that can be conveniently parameterized, ensuring reliable operation and protection against moisture, meeting IPX4, IPX5, or IPX6 standards, and allowing for easy assembly and parameterization without direct contact with the housing wall.
Implementation Method 1
the operating device has at least one capacitive control element and that the control device and the operating device are arranged as a unit, at least partially embedded in a sealant, on an inner surface of a housing wall of a housing of the ventilation device for contactless actuation of the control element through the housing wall
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a ventilation device (1) for an interior, the ventilation device (1) having a fan for conveying air, a control device (17) for controlling the fan and an operating device (9) for manually operating the ventilation device (1). It is provided that the operating device (9) has at least one capacitive operating element (21) and the control device (17) and the operating device (9) as a unit (18) at least partially accommodated in a sealing compound (28) on an inner side (8) a housing wall (2) of a housing of the ventilation device (1) for contactless actuation of the operating element (21) through the housing wall (2).