Control Device Deformable Tab Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for electrical equipment often lack flexibility in user feedback and risk direct contact with switches, potentially damaging them.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a deformable region and adjustable interacting elements, including tabs and tongues, allows for customizable user feedback and avoids direct contact with switches by using a deformable tab to actuate a switch, allowing for adjustable tactile and auditory feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a control finger directly contacts the switch, then the switching function is achieved, but the risk of damaging the switch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a deformable region with tabs as an intermediary mechanism between the control finger and the switch. The first tab cooperates with the control finger element, while the second tab actuates the switch, preventing direct contact between the control finger and switch, thereby reducing damage risk while maintaining reliable switching function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control device uses a fixed rigid structure, then the manufacturing is simple, but the user feedback and tactile experience are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deformable region that can dynamically adjust its characteristics through the interaction of multiple tabs. The first tab provides initial contact and deformation, while the second tab translates this deformation into switch actuation, creating adjustable tactile and auditory feedback without requiring completely rigid or overly complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable region allows for parameter changes in terms of flexibility and deformation characteristics. By designing the deformable region with specific geometric features and material properties, the device can provide customizable user feedback while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured using conventional techniques.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple elements interact directly, then the control function is achieved, but the design flexibility and adjustability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable region acts as an intermediary that decouples the interaction between the control finger element and the switch. The first tab receives the control input, deforms the deformable region, and the second tab converts this deformation into switch actuation. This intermediary mechanism provides design flexibility and adjustability while maintaining a manageable level of complexity.
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 flexible and customizable user experience while reducing the risk of switch damage by using a deformable tab to actuate the switch, allowing for precise control and adjustable feedback.
Implementation Method 1
the movement of the control finger (under the action of the user) causes the displacement and/or the deformation of the first tab and consequently the deformation of the deformable region, which causes the displacement and/ or the deformation of the second tongue so as to actuate the switch
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control device comprising a casing (12, 14) enclosing at least one switch (36), and a control finger that can move with respect to the casing (12, 14) and having at least one element projecting from the face of the control finger orientated towards the casing (12, 14). The casing (12, 14) comprises a deformable region (76) from which a first tab (24) extends, arranged so as to cooperate with said element in at least one position of the control finger, and a second tab (26) for actuating the switch (36).