Configurable Button Locking Mechanism for Input Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices lack configurability and improved functionalities, necessitating a need for customizable and user-friendly designs.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a switch, button, obstruction member, and selector mechanism that allows users to customize button functionality by moving the obstruction member between lock and unlock positions, enabling or disabling button activation through a motion-changing arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the input device includes fixed button functions, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability across different applications is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configurability by introducing a movable obstruction member that can be repositioned between different locations. This single mechanical change allows the button to transition between different functional states (active/inactive, different button mappings), enabling adaptability without requiring multiple fixed button configurations or complex electronic switching systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the function configuration capability from the button itself and places it in a separate obstruction member mechanism. By removing the configurability requirement from the button structure and implementing it through the obstruction member's position, the system achieves versatility while maintaining simple individual component designs.
2Ease of operation
If the button is always active, then the operation is simple, but the flexibility to disable functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The obstruction member mechanism allows users to independently control the activation state of each button by simply repositioning the obstruction member. The system provides self-service configurability where users can disable specific buttons or enable different functions without requiring complex electronic controls, multiple switches, or specialized tools - just a simple mechanical repositioning action.
3Productivity
If multiple buttons are blocked simultaneously, then the control is efficient, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The obstruction member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks multiple buttons at once, enables different button mappings, and provides a single-point control for multiple operational states. This multi-functional design allows efficient configuration of multiple button states through a single mechanical element, avoiding the need for separate control mechanisms for each button.
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, an input device may include a switch having an activation element, a button disposed in relative to the switch, and an obstruction member movable between a first position and a second position. The button may be depressible from an undepressed position to a depressed position to engage the activation element when the obstruction member is in the first position, and the button may be blocked from being depressible to the depressed position when the obstruction member is in the second position. The input device may also include a selector operable to cause the obstruction member to move between the first position and the second position and a motion changing arrangement operatively arranged between the selector and the obstruction member to transform a motion of the selector into a motion of the obstruction member for moving the obstruction member between the first position and the second position.