Magnetic Push-Button Structure for Frictionless Tactile Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing push-button switches for critical functions, such as those used in aircraft instrument panels, face challenges in meeting requirements for compactness, tactile feel, durability, and reliability due to complex assemblies, wear, and friction, which limit their service life and safety.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic push-button switch with a fixed and movable body, utilizing magnetic elements and notching teeth to generate push and return forces without friction, wear, and with a simplified assembly, ensuring a stable position and tactile feedback through magnetic detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electromechanical solutions based on domes are used, then the push-button can provide tactile feel and detection function, but the structure becomes complex with many high-precision parts, increasing the risk of fatigue and fretting corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice lifeVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional electromechanical dome structure with a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnetic element and magnetic detector enable detection of button press without mechanical contact, eliminating the dome, its high-precision parts, and associated mechanical wear issues while maintaining tactile feedback through magnetic forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the button press action and the detection system. The magnetic element responds to mechanical pressure and the magnetic detector senses this response, providing indirect detection that avoids direct mechanical contact between moving and stationary parts, thereby reducing wear and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If magneto-mechanical solutions with elastic elements are used, then the push-button can provide push force and return force, but the elastic element is exposed to fatigue and jamming risks, limiting service life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice lifeVSAvoidfatigue and jamming risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces elastic mechanical elements (springs) with a magnetic field-based force generation system. The magnetic element and magnetic detector work together to provide push force and return force through magnetic attraction and repulsion, eliminating the elastic element and its associated fatigue and jamming risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and interaction mechanism from mechanical elastic deformation to magnetic field interaction. By utilizing magnetic field strength and polarity changes instead of elastic material deformation, the system achieves force generation without the inherent limitations of elastic materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional mechanical contact detection is used, then the push-button can detect activation, but mechanical contact causes wear and friction, reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidwear and friction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical contact detection with magnetic field detection. The magnetic detector senses changes in the magnetic field caused by button press without requiring physical contact between detection components, thereby eliminating wear and friction while maintaining reliable activation detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

The magnetic push-button switch provides reliable, durable, and safe operation with improved tactile feedback, reduced risk of jamming, and extended service life, meeting high DAL safety standards and offering easy mounting and reduced complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a notching tooth made of ferromagnetic or magnetic material arranged opposite the magnetic element in order to generate a push force by magnetic cooperation with the magnetic element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic detector disposed opposite the magnetic element and configured for generating measurements quantifying each movement of the movable body along the axis of movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12548724B2Magnetic push-button having a fixed body and a movable body

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 THALES SA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a magnetic push-button (10) comprises a fixed body and a body which is movable with respect to the fixed body along an axis of movement (X);one of the bodies, called first body (21), comprising:a magnetic element extending along the axis of movement (X) and defining a magnetic alternation along the axis of movement;the other body, called second body (22), comprising:a notching tooth made of ferromagnetic or magnetic material arranged opposite the magnetic element so as to create a push force by magnetic cooperation with the magnetic element, during a movement of the movable body (21) along the axis of movement (X);a magnetic detector placed opposite the magnetic element and configured for generating measurements quantifying each movement of the movable body along the axis of movement (X).