Layered Actuation Part for Gap-Free Sealed Operating Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating members with elastically yielding actuating parts face challenges in preventing foreign particle intrusion and achieving a visually appealing appearance in the transitional region between the support and the actuating part.
Innovation Solution
The operating member incorporates a layer structure with a highly elastic layer having the greatest thickness in the transitional region, providing elastic compliance and eliminating the need for a separate elastic support, while ensuring a liquid-tight transition and simplified manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clear distance is maintained between the actuating part and the support in the transitional region, then the operational capability is preserved, but foreign bodies can enter the gap and aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane structure in the transitional region that can deform elastically to maintain contact between the actuating part and support, eliminating the gap where foreign bodies could enter while preserving operational capability through the membrane's flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the transitional region by using materials with different elastic moduli and designing varying thickness profiles, creating a compliant zone that adapts to movement while maintaining continuous contact to prevent foreign body intrusion
2Ease of operation
If a clear distance is maintained between the actuating part and the support, then movability is ensured, but the assembly complexity increases due to the need for uniform gap width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuating part and support into a integrated structure with a continuous membrane transition, eliminating the need for separate gap-maintaining components and simplifying assembly while preserving movability through the membrane's elastic deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics by designing the transitional region with elastic materials that can deform and adapt during operation, allowing the structure to maintain contact dynamically without requiring precise static gap control, thereby reducing assembly complexity
3Reliability
If the transitional region is sealed to prevent foreign body intrusion, then reliability improves, but the elastic compliance and resetting capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane serves as both a seal against foreign bodies and an elastic element that maintains compliance and resetting capability through its inherent flexibility and ability to deform under load
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures in the transitional region that combine sealing properties with elastic characteristics, creating a multi-functional layer that prevents foreign body intrusion while maintaining the necessary mechanical compliance
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 enhances the operational reliability by preventing foreign particle intrusion, maintains a visually appealing appearance, and simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process by eliminating the need for additional elastic support components.
Implementation Method 1
the layer with the smallest modulus of elasticity of the two layers, which is referred to as a highly elastic layer, has the greatest layer thickness... in order to provide an elastic compliance of the actuating part
Implementation Method 2
the elastic support also has the function of damping a movement of the actuating part that is generated by an actuator by means of an electrical control signal and is supposed to produce a so-called active haptic feedback
Implementation Method 3
acting as a vibration insulation with respect to the support
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an operating member including a support; an actuating part, which has an actuating surface facing towards an operator, and the actuating part has an edge region, which is provided outside the actuating surface and via which the actuating part is supported on the support; wherein the actuating part has a layer structure, defining the actuating surface, and the layer structure has at least two layers that differ in the modulus of elasticity; wherein, in a transitional region between the edge region and the actuating surface, a layer with the smallest modulus of elasticity is a highly elastic layer, and has the greatest layer thickness compared to other layers of the layer structure, in order to provide an elastic compliance of the actuating part; a force sensor disposed between the support and the actuating part detects a displacement of the actuating part.