Elastic Control Surface with Pivoting Switches for Cost-Effective Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of pressure-sensitive sensors, such as Force Sensing Resistors (FSR), limits their adoption in cost-sensitive applications like entry-level vehicles, where affordable and effective solutions for controlling motorized vehicle components are needed.
Innovation Solution
An electrical control device featuring a control surface made of elastic material with a printed circuit board and pivoting switching elements mechanically connected between the control surface and the circuit board, allowing for accurate pressure detection at a lower cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure-sensitive sensors such as Force Sensing Resistors are used for control surfaces, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control surface is divided into multiple discrete pressing zones, each with its own simple switching element. Instead of using a continuous expensive sensor array, the surface is segmented into functional regions that can be detected by individual low-cost switches, reducing overall system cost while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive durable pressure-sensitive sensors with inexpensive switching elements that have simpler construction. These switching elements use basic mechanical components rather than sophisticated semiconductor layers, significantly reducing material and manufacturing costs.
2Measurement precision
If multiple independent switching elements are used for each electrical contact, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple switching elements are mechanically connected through a common support structure, merging their functions into a unified assembly. This mechanical coupling simplifies the overall structure by reducing the number of independent components and their associated mounting requirements, while each element still provides independent detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it mechanically connects the switching elements, provides electrical insulation between them, and maintains their spatial arrangement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If an elastic control surface is used with mechanically connected switching elements, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic material is pre-installed between the control surface and switching elements, providing built-in cushioning and stress distribution. This pre-positioned elastic layer protects the switching elements from excessive mechanical stress during operation, maintaining their reliability while simplifying assembly by eliminating the need for complex mounting mechanisms.
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 solution provides an inexpensive and effective means to locate finger pressure on a control surface, enabling efficient control of motorized vehicle components with advantageous performance, while being flexible and adaptable for diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
the said control surface is made of an elastic material
Implementation Method 2
By exerting pressure on the FSR layer, its ohmic resistance decreases
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The device has a control surface (3), a printed circuit board (5) and a band (7) of contacting elements sandwiched between the surface and the circuit board. Commutation elements (21) are mechanically connected in the form of the band. The band has elastic tabs (35) that are provided at regular intervals. The band forms an elastic spacer between the control surface and the printed circuit board. The elastic tabs project above a general plane defined by the band at a height greater than that of associated electric contact contacting pivot arms (23) of the elements (21).