Wireless Movable Control Panel for Multi-Appliance Kitchen Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operation of kitchen appliances with control panels, such as hobs, extractor hoods, and lighting, is complex due to the need to recognize and interact with multiple control elements at different positions, which can be difficult and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A kitchen furniture system with a freely movable and wireless control panel that uses a sensor system to detect its position and properties, allowing for intuitive control of various appliance functions without physical connection, using technologies like wireless communication and sensors to adjust processes like temperature, lighting, or water supply based on the panel's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control elements are positioned at different fixed locations on kitchen appliances, then each appliance can be operated independently, but the user must move between multiple positions to operate different appliances, increasing operation complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control elements into a single centralized control panel that can control multiple kitchen appliances (hob, extractor hood, lighting) from one location. This merging of control functions allows the user to operate all appliances from a single position, eliminating the need to move between different appliances and their respective control elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel is designed with universal functionality to control multiple different types of kitchen appliances through a single interface. The system can adapt to control various appliances (hob zones, extractor hood, lighting) using the same control elements, making the control system versatile and reducing the number of separate control locations needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control elements are distributed at different positions on appliances, then each appliance has its own control, but the layout can make it difficult to identify control positions and increase operational labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple distributed control elements into a single integrated control panel, simplifying the overall control system architecture. Instead of having separate control elements on each appliance, all controls are combined in one location, reducing the complexity of identifying and accessing multiple control positions while maintaining the ability to control all appliances.
3Stability of the object's composition
If control panels are fixed on appliances, then the control layout is stable, but the control position cannot be adjusted to different locations on the work surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable control panel that can be dynamically repositioned to different locations on the work surface while maintaining stable operation. The control panel can be freely moved and repositioned by the user, yet once positioned, it provides stable and reliable control of all appliances. This dynamic positioning capability allows the control system to adapt to different user preferences and kitchen layouts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cable connections with wireless communication technology, allowing the control panel to be freely positioned without physical constraints. The wireless communication system enables the movable control panel to maintain stable electrical and data connections with the appliances regardless of its position on the work surface.
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 solution simplifies and flexibilizes the operation of kitchen appliances, providing clear and convenient user interaction by allowing the control panel to be positioned anywhere on the work surface, enabling intuitive control of multiple functions with haptic, optical, or acoustic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor system is present which detects at least one property of the operating part
Implementation Method 2
the control unit is therefore not connected to the furnishing element via a cable, but is connected exclusively wirelessly to the sensor system
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device element comprising an operating component, wherein said device element is designed to carry out at least one process, and the operating component is designed such that said process of the device element is carried out depending on the position of the operating component, said operating component being freely placeable relative to the device element, and a sensor system is provided which detects at least one characteristic of the operating component and actuates the process of the device element depending on this detection.