Hands-Free Push-To-Activate Device With Adjustable Hinge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hands-free push-to-talk assemblies are limited by their foot-operated design, which is not adaptable to operators of varying sizes and can pose hazards in environments where hands-free activation is required, such as mission consoles, gaming systems, and communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A hands-free push-to-activate device featuring a mounting bracket with an adjustable hinge and a deflectable arm, equipped with a strain gauge, allowing for customizable positioning and operation by the knee, eliminating the need for foot operation and accommodating different operator sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a foot-operated hands-free push-to-talk assembly is used, then hands-free operation is achieved, but the device is limited by operator size differences and poses safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free operationVSAvoidadaptability to different operator sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs an adjustable hinge mechanism that allows the deflectable arm to be repositioned to different angles and locations, transforming a static foot-operated assembly into a dynamic, adaptable structure that can accommodate operators of various sizes and preferences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The push-to-talk device is designed to accept multiple input methods beyond foot operation, allowing it to be operated by hand, knee, or other body parts, making it universally applicable to different operators and situations while maintaining hands-free capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a fixed-position hands-free push-to-talk assembly is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operator sizes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidadjustability for different operators

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism provides adjustable positioning capability with minimal additional complexity, allowing the deflectable arm to be repositioned to accommodate different operators while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows change in the geometric parameters of the deflectable arm position through the adjustable hinge, enabling adaptation to different operator sizes and preferences without fundamentally changing the device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a knee-operated push-to-talk switch is used, then hands-free operation is improved, but the operator cannot rotate the seat forward and bump hazards occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free activationVSAvoidbump hazard to operator

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The deflectable arm with strain gauge acts as an intermediary between the operator's body movement and the push-to-talk activation, allowing gentle engagement that eliminates direct bump hazards while maintaining hands-free operation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The strain gauge provides a compliant, force-distributing interface that cushions the interaction between the operator and the switch, preventing concentrated impact forces that could cause bump hazards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 hands-free activation of communication systems and other functions without size limitations, reducing the risk of hazards and improving usability across various applications by allowing adjustable placement and operation.

Implementation Method 1

a strain gauge is disposed within the T-shaped mounting bracket, wherein the strain gauge detects the deflection of the paddle-shaped deflectable arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain gauge detection: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8087302B2Hands-free push-to-talk device

Publication Date: 2012.01.03 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A push-to-activate device is disclosed. The push-to-activate device may comprise a mounting bracket coupled to a surface, and an adjustable hinge coupled thereto. The push-to-activate device may also feature a measuring instrument coupled to the mounting bracket and a deflectable arm coupled to the adjustable hinge, wherein the deflectable arm can be engaged in a hands-free manner. A method is also disclosed which comprises providing an apparatus, the apparatus comprising a mounting bracket coupled to a surface, an adjustable hinge coupled to the mounting bracket, a measuring instrument disposed within the mounting bracket, and a deflectable arm coupled to the adjustable hinge, wherein the deflectable arm can be engaged in a hands-free manner. The method also comprises utilizing the adjustable hinge to adjust the deflectable arm to fit a size constraint of an operator.