Glazing Switch Assembly Using Through-Glass Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating a switch with a glass door or window is challenging, especially for thermally toughened glass, as drilling holes weakens the material, and existing solutions like capacitive switches are affected by rain or gloves, making operation difficult.
Innovation Solution
A switching device with a switch attached to one side of a sheet of glazing material and a sensor assembly on the opposite side, allowing movement detection without the need for holes, ensuring the switch is visible and easily operable while maintaining the integrity of the glass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hole is drilled in the glass door leaf to incorporate a switch, then the switch can be integrated with the door, but the glass strength is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
A sheet member is introduced as an intermediary component between the switch and the glass door leaf. The switch is attached to the sheet member, which is then attached to the outer surface of the glass door leaf, eliminating the need to drill holes in the glass while still achieving switch integration with the door.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device is segmented into separate components: the switch itself, the sheet member that attaches to the glass surface, and the mounting hardware. This allows the switch to be integrated with the door without compromising the glass integrity, as each component serves a specific function and none require drilling into the glass.
2Ease of operation
If a capacitive switch is used on the glass surface, then the switch can be integrated with the glazing, but operation becomes difficult when affected by rain drops or gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet member acts as an intermediary between the user's finger and the capacitive switch sensor. By attaching the switch to the sheet member rather than directly to the glass, the system reduces false triggers from raindrops while maintaining operability through the sheet material, which can be designed with appropriate tactile and electrical properties.
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 convenient and reliable operation of the switch without weakening the glass and is less affected by environmental factors like rain or gloved hands.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor assembly facing the second major surface of the first sheet of glazing material, wherein the switch comprises a movable portion operatively coupled with the sensor assembly such that upon operation of the switch, the movable portion moves from a first position to a second position and the movement of the movable portion from the first position to the second position is detectable by the sensor assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A switching device includes at least one (a first) sheet of glazing material having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface, a switch attached to the first major surface of the first sheet of glazing material, and a sensor assembly facing the second major surface of the first sheet of glazing material. The switch includes a movable portion operatively coupled with the sensor assembly such that upon operation of the switch, the movable portion moves from a first position to a second position and the movement of the movable portion from the first position to the second position is detectable by the sensor assembly. The switching device may be part of a window or door for a building or a vehicle.