Control Panel Optical Mechanical Key Hybrid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control panels for measuring devices with finger-operable optical keys become unreliable when the housing is open, as the defined control distance is no longer maintained, leading to unintentional activation of the optical key.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating finger-operable mechanical keys alongside optical keys, which can be operated independently or integrated within the optical key, and using an evaluation unit to manage key operations and prevent incorrect activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a finger-operable optical key is used behind the inspection window, then reliable control is achieved when the housing is closed, but reliable control is lost when the housing is open
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel provides universal control capability by implementing both optical keys (for closed housing operation through the inspection window) and mechanical keys (for open housing operation), allowing the measuring device to be reliably controlled in both closed and open housing states without losing functionality
2Productivity
If the control distance for the optical key is not defined by the inspection window, then faster control is possible, but unintentional activation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical key acts as an intermediary solution that provides a physical contact interface for control operations. When the housing is open, the mechanical key enables intentional activation through direct finger contact, preventing unintentional activation of the optical key while maintaining control functionality
3Ease of operation
If only optical keys are provided, then control without opening the housing is enabled, but control when the housing is open becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel achieves universal operability by providing both optical keys for contactless control through the inspection window and mechanical keys for direct contact control, ensuring reliable operation regardless of whether the housing is closed or open
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
Enables reliable and fast control of the measuring device even when the control and inspection window is open, by ensuring that the mechanical key can be used for control without inadvertently activating the optical key, thus preventing unintentional operation.
Implementation Method 1
A finger-operable optical key uses the transmitting element to emit electromagnetic radiation, often in the infrared range, and the receiving element for detecting at least electromagnetic radiation of the type emitted by the transmitting element. The method of operation of such an optical key is known and based on the principal that an operating object which approaches the optical key reflects the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the transmitting element to different extents.
Data Source
AI summary
A control panel for a measuring device with a housing and a control and inspection window. The control panel includes at least one optical key that is operable through the control and inspection window using a finger. The optical key includes a transmitting element and a receiving element. The control panel is constructed such that it allows reliable and quick control even when the housing is open and the control panel is exposed. Specifically, the control panel has at least one corresponding finger-operable mechanical key in addition to the finger-operable optical key in order to reliably and quickly control the measuring device when a predefined control distance for the optical key is no longer ensured by the control and inspection window of the housing.