Hybrid Tactile-Touch Button Layout for Flexible Wall Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for home and building automation systems face challenges in achieving versatile button configurations using tactile switches, as they require multiple types and sizes, leading to increased costs and complexity, while fully capacitive touch solutions lack the tactile feedback of traditional switches.
Innovation Solution
A wall-mounted control device combining tactile switches and touch sensors, where the controller determines button actuations based on signals from both types of sensors, allowing for interchangeable buttons and various configurations without the need for multiple switch types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tactile switches are used to achieve varying button configurations, then button configuration versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tactile switches into a single tactile switch location, using capacitive touch sensing technology to detect different press patterns (single press, double press, long press, etc.) and different press locations (center, left, right) on the button surface. This merging approach maintains button configuration versatility while reducing the number of physical tactile switches required.
Solution Approach 2:
The button assembly is designed to perform multiple functions through a single tactile switch配合 capacitive sensing. The same button can provide different control functions based on press duration, press location, and press sequence, making the button assembly universal and adaptable to various control needs without requiring multiple specialized switches.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of tactile switches are used to achieve different button types, then button type diversity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and supply chain complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal button assembly design that can function as push buttons, rocker buttons, or other button types through software configuration and capacitive sensing patterns. The same physical button assembly provides different button types by detecting different press characteristics, eliminating the need to manufacture and inventory multiple specialized button assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical differentiation of button types with electronic/capacitive sensing. Instead of using different mechanical switch types to create different button types, the system uses a single tactile switch配合 capacitive sensing to detect press patterns and simulate different button behaviors, substituting mechanical diversity with electronic flexibility.
3Device complexity
If fully capacitive touch sensing is used to achieve button configurations, then device complexity is reduced, but tactile feedback quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges tactile switches and capacitive touch sensors into a hybrid system. The tactile switch provides reliable mechanical feedback and confirmation, while the capacitive sensor enables versatile button configurations and press pattern detection. This combination maintains tactile feedback quality while achieving the configuration versatility of fully capacitive systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different sensing technologies to different aspects of button interaction: tactile switches handle the primary press detection and feedback, while capacitive sensors handle secondary functions like press location detection and press duration timing. Each technology is used where it provides the best local quality, creating an optimized hybrid system.
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 enables a wide range of button configurations with tactile feedback, reducing costs and complexity by using a single button design that can accommodate different functions through programming, thus increasing flexibility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
each button zone comprises a tactile switch and an array of touch sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A control device comprising a front portion, at least one button cap, and a controller. The front portion comprises a plurality of button zones each comprising a tactile switch and at least one touch sensor. The at least one button cap is adapted to attach to the control device over at least one of the button zones such that the at least one button cap is positioned over the at least one touch sensor and interacts with the tactile switch in the at least one of the button zones. The controller determines which button zone and which location of the button zone is actuated in response to a combination of signals received from at least one of the tactile switches and at least one of the touch sensors.