Deflection-Sensing Keypad for Sterilization-Safe Button Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic systems face challenges in accurately detecting button presses, leading to potential frustration and safety issues during surgical procedures, and the keypad's electronics are vulnerable to damage from sterilization processes due to openings in the keypad.
Innovation Solution
A keypad system that utilizes deflection sensing to detect button presses, where a material deflects under user force, and a sensor outputs a signal indicating the deflection amount, allowing a controller to accurately determine button presses without physical openings, thus protecting the electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional button press detection methods are used, then the detection mechanism is simple, but the detection accuracy is poor leading to phantom presses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical button press detection mechanisms with an optical detection system. The optical sensor detects changes in light reflection or transmission when a button is pressed, eliminating the need for complex mechanical switches or contacts. This substitution improves detection accuracy by reducing mechanical wear and false triggering while maintaining system simplicity through non-contact sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (light reflection, transmission, or absorption) to detect button presses. By monitoring these optical parameter changes rather than mechanical position changes, the system achieves higher detection accuracy. The optical sensor detects subtle variations in light properties caused by button deformation, enabling reliable press detection without mechanical contact.
2Reliability
If the keypad has openings for sensor access, then the button press detection is functional, but the electronics are vulnerable to damage during sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a transparent or translucent protective film or shell that covers the keypad surface while allowing optical sensors to function. This film acts as a barrier protecting the electronics from sterilization agents (autoclave steam, chemical disinfectants) while permitting light transmission for button press detection. The flexible or rigid transparent cover maintains tactile feedback and optical sensing capability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary protective layer (transparent shield or encapsulation) between the electronics and the external environment. This intermediary element blocks harmful sterilization agents from reaching the electronics while allowing optical signals to pass through for button detection. The mediator thus reconciles the conflicting requirements of protection and functionality.
3Measurement precision
If the detection system is highly sensitive, then phantom presses are reduced, but false detection of unintended presses increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the detection system monitors multiple parameters (optical changes, pressure distribution, temporal patterns) and uses algorithms to distinguish intentional presses from phantom presses. The system learns from usage patterns and adjusts sensitivity thresholds dynamically, providing feedback control that reduces both phantom presses and false detections. Multiple sensors working in concert with feedback processing improve reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple optical sensors positioned at different locations to detect button presses. Rather than relying on a single highly sensitive sensor that may trigger falsely, the system requires corroboration from multiple sensors or uses the combined signal from several sensors to confirm a press. This partial action approach (using multiple sensing points) reduces false positives while maintaining detection sensitivity.
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 system provides reliable and accurate detection of button presses, minimizing phantom presses and ensuring the keypad's electronics remain protected during sterilization, thereby enhancing user safety and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A button press may be detected based on an amount of deflection of a material. The deflection of the material may be caused by force from a user's finger on a button of the keypad.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods that include a keypad that detects button presses using deflection sensing. The keypad may be a keypad of a camera such as an endoscopic camera head. A button press may be detected based on an amount of deflection of a material. The deflection of the material may be caused by force from a user's finger on a button of the keypad. The material may be located proximate to a sensor, which outputs a sensor signal indicating the amount of deflection of the material. Aspects of the disclosure comprise a controller that identifies an amount of deflection, compares the amount of deflection to a signal threshold, and determines whether a button has been pressed based on the comparison.