Wireless Control Knob for Dust-Resistant Electrical Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical apparatuses, such as heaters and ovens, are susceptible to damage from dust and liquids due to physical connections between control knobs and internal electronic components, which existing wireless control systems do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transfer system using an emitter module in the apparatus and a receiver module in the control knob, allowing the control knob to be uncoupled and reducing the risk of contamination by eliminating physical connections, while maintaining control functionality through relative movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical connections are used between control knob and internal electronic components, then control functionality is achieved, but dust and liquid ingress damage the electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (physical wiring between control knob and internal electronics) with a wireless power transfer system using electromagnetic fields. The emitter module in the base and receiver module in the control knob enable power transmission without physical contacts, eliminating the vulnerability to dust and liquid ingress while maintaining control functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If the control knob is permanently integrated into the apparatus, then control functionality is maintained, but cleaning becomes difficult due to crevices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into two separate segments: the control knob and the base apparatus. The control knob can be detached from the base, creating a modular design that simplifies cleaning by eliminating permanent crevices and gaps where dust and liquids could accumulate, while still maintaining control functionality when assembled.
3Reliability
If wireless power transfer is implemented, then protection against dust and liquid ingress is improved, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (physical wiring between control knob and internal electronics) with a wireless power transfer system using electromagnetic fields. The emitter module in the base and receiver module in the control knob enable power transmission without physical contacts, eliminating the vulnerability to dust and liquid ingress while maintaining control functionality.
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, compact, and robust control system that prevents dust and liquid ingress, simplifies cleaning, and ensures reliable operation by maintaining wireless power transfer without the need for physical wiring.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless system for the transfer of electrical power in a wireless manner, the wireless system comprising an emitter module arranged in the apparatus and a receiver module associated with the control knob, with at least one wireless energy coupling being generated between the emitter module and the receiver module
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a control system for an electrical apparatus, comprising a control knob. The electrical apparatus is controlled by means of the relative movement of the control knob with respect to the electrical apparatus when the control knob is operated by a user. The control system also comprises a wireless system (200) with an emitter module (201) arranged in the electrical apparatus and a receiver module (202) associated with the control knob, with an energy coupling (EC1, EC2) being generated between the emitter module (201) and the receiver module (202) in such a way that enables the transfer of electrical power between said emitter module (201) and said receiver module (202) through said energy coupling (EC1, EC2). The receiver module (202) moves integrally with the control knob.