Transparent Cover Switch Layout to Prevent Touchscreen Mis-Taps
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Solution Overview
Problem
In compact medical devices, the proximity of the on/off switch to the touch-sensitive screen can lead to accidental operation of the screen when the switch is actuated, due to limited space, and existing solutions do not effectively prevent this issue.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with a transparent cover and a carrier device that includes a pressure switch and a finger recess, where the pressure switch is positioned beneath the transparent cover and aligned with the finger recess, allowing precise detection of user input and preventing accidental operation of adjacent touch-sensitive screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the on/off switch is placed close to the touchscreen to save space, then the device becomes more compact, but the touchscreen may be accidentally activated when the switch is pressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a finger recess with specific geometric properties (curved bottom, defined depth between 0.5-2.0mm) at the exact location where finger pressure is applied. This localized structural modification ensures that force is concentrated on the pressure switch while the surrounding touchscreen area remains unaffected, allowing the switch to be positioned close to the screen without causing accidental activations.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger recess acts as an intermediary structure between the user's finger and the pressure switch. It guides and concentrates the applied force onto the switch activation point while distributing the mechanical stress away from the touchscreen, thereby preventing accidental screen activation while maintaining reliable switch operation in compact spaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If a transparent cover is used to protect the controls, then cleaning is facilitated, but the switch requires precise alignment to detect finger pressure through the glass
Solution Approach 1:
The finger recess is pre-formed in the transparent cover at the exact location corresponding to the pressure switch beneath. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when the assembly is manufactured, the finger recess automatically provides the necessary alignment guidance, reducing the precision requirements for positioning the pressure switch relative to the transparent cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the transparent cover by creating a localized depression (finger recess) with specific depth (0.5-2.0mm) and curvature. This parameter change allows the cover to transmit pressure effectively at the recess location while maintaining its protective and cleanable properties elsewhere, facilitating both manufacturing and precise pressure detection.
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 configuration ensures unambiguous switching operations by guiding the user's finger to the pressure switch, reducing accidental activation of the touch-sensitive screen and allowing the pressure switch to be placed closer or the screen to be made larger, while maintaining a clean and hygienic interface.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure switch, wherein the pressure switch is located and aligned in the sensor recess such that user input by means of a finger of the user on the control surface can be detected by the pressure switch
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device for interacting with a user, comprising a transparent cover device, a support device with a sensor recess, and a push button, wherein the transparent cover device forms an operating surface and an underside opposite the operating surface, and the support device is arranged on or at the underside, and the push button is located and aligned in the sensor recess such that user input by means of a finger of the user on the operating surface can be detected by the push button, wherein a finger recess is provided on the operating surface, which is arranged above the push button.