Bendable Control Panel Input for Vandal-Resistant Force Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices for elevator control panels are complex and costly, requiring sophisticated sensors to detect vibrations accurately, making them prone to dirt and vandalism, and lacking in cost-effective solutions for reliable operation.

Innovation Solution

A control panel designed with a plate-shaped element that can bend at input zones, equipped with simple and cost-effective sensors attached to the rear, converting compressive forces into electrical signals through deflection or stretching, and signal generator circuits that process these signals to produce reliable control signals, including low-pass filters and amplifiers for noise reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If vibration detection sensors are used to detect touch on control panel zones, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex vibration detection sensors with a simple force sensor that directly measures compressive force applied to the control panel. This mechanical substitution simplifies the detection system while maintaining accuracy, as the force sensor directly measures the physical quantity of interest (applied force) rather than inferring it from vibration characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential measurement function (force detection) from the complex vibration detection system. By using a force sensor that directly measures compressive force, the system eliminates the need for complex vibration analysis algorithms and multiple sensor components, achieving simpler device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If complex vibration detection systems are used, then detection capability is improved, but susceptibility to dirt and vandalism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiddirt and vandalism susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic vibration detection systems with a simple mechanical force sensor system. This substitution reduces the number of electronic components and sensitive elements that could be affected by dirt or damaged by vandalism, while maintaining reliable detection capability through direct force measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simple, robust force sensors that are less expensive and more resistant to environmental damage compared to complex vibration sensors. These simpler sensors can be more easily replaced if damaged, reducing the impact of vandalism or dirt accumulation on system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If simple sensors are used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but detection reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoiddetection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simple mechanical force sensors instead of complex electronic vibration detection systems. This substitution reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining or improving detection reliability, as the force sensor directly measures the relevant physical quantity (applied force) with a simple, robust mechanism that is less prone to failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reliable, cost-effective, and vandalism-resistant input device capable of accurately detecting compressive forces, generating clear control signals, and transmitting them wirelessly, reducing installation costs and operational interference.

Implementation Method 1

a sheet as a piezoelectric sensor is interposed between the flat plate and a stopper plate so that a pressing force on the sheet can be better detected by increasing the pressing action because the thickness of the sheet is changed due to the pressing force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2915256B1Input device and method for generating a control signal

Publication Date: 2021.01.20 INVENTIO AG

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an input device (1) for generating a control signal, comprising - a control panel (2) which is made of a plate-shaped element and has a front face (2.1) and a rear face (2.2), - an input zone (3) on the front face (2.1) of the control panel (2), the position of the input zone (3) being marked on the front face (2.1) of the control panel (2) by means of a marker (5), wherein the control panel (2) is arranged in a bendable manner at least in the region of the input zone (3), and - a sensor (6) which is attached onto a control panel (2) rear face (2.2) region lying opposite the input zone (3) such that the sensor detects a bend of the control panel (2) occurring in the region of the input zone (3), said sensor (6) generating or changing an electric signal if a user of the input device (1) causes a sufficient bend of the control panel (2) in the region of the input zone (3) by exerting a pressure force onto the input zone (3).