Maneuver element incorporating locking means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing maneuver elements for mobile devices lack clear indication of functionality, especially in the locked position, and can be complex to operate, failing to meet ADA standards for accessible design and requiring excessive strength for activation.
Innovation Solution
A maneuver element with a trilobal design featuring a dome-shaped button with a circumferential groove, a ring with distinct coloration, and an indicator element with a red-colored cup appendix, combined with a pull-and-push mechanism using a rotor and stator with inclined planes and guidance teeth, allowing easy identification of the lock status and operation with minimal strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a dome structure with cup button is used to indicate lock status, then remote identification of lock status is ensured, but the signal is not always easy to read and the push-traction movement system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by providing the cup button with a lateral surface showing different coloring from the grip element (e.g., red color). This color differentiation provides immediate visual indication of lock status without requiring complex mechanical signaling systems, directly resolving the contradiction between visibility and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the indication system into distinct visual components: the grip element and the separately colored cup button. This segmentation allows the status indication function to be isolated and simplified, making the system easier to understand and operate while maintaining clear visual feedback
2Reliability
If traditional maneuver elements are used, then basic locking function is provided, but they fail to meet ADA standards requiring activation with minimal strength (at most 20.2 N)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spheroidality by designing the grip element with a curved, dome-shaped button surface. This curved geometry distributes the activation force more effectively across the pressing surface, reducing the peak force required to activate the locking mechanism and enabling compliance with ADA strength limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamics through the spring means that enable the cup button to move between pressed and unpressed positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to respond to minimal input force while maintaining reliable locking engagement, meeting ADA requirements for easy activation
3Reliability
If safety pressure means with protruding pins and holes are used, then rotation prevention is achieved, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the grip element: it serves as both the operational handle for activating the locking mechanism and the visual indicator through the colored cup button. This consolidation simplifies the user interface while maintaining reliable rotation prevention through the underlying pin-and-hole engagement mechanism
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 solution provides immediate and clear indication of the maneuver element's functionality, ensuring safe operation and compliance with ADA standards by allowing activation with reduced strength and ease of use, enhancing safety and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
said cup button being movable between a pressed position and an unpressed position by the spring means
Implementation Method 2
hold in fixed position through the application between the spring means and the seal means provided within the central cavity of the dome structure
Data Source
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AI summary
Maneuver element of the type composed by an element provided, on each end, with a protruding grip and centrally with safety means which can be activated under pressure and controlled from outside, apt to engage the structure on which it is mounted and to prevent the rotation, said pressure activated means, being composed of a button system having a central hole, housed within a depression of said maneuver element, and partially protruding from it, from the base of said button system abutting engaging and retaining plugs, housed free to move longitudinally within the holes obtained in said maneuver element, characterized in that fast remote identification means of the functionality of said maneuver and pressure fast activation means of said engaging and retaining plugs are associated with said button system, said pressure fast activation means of said plugs being composed by the association of engaging elements mounted on a rotor with driving and retaining elements provided on a stator complementary to said rotor.