Marine Touch-Switch Housing for Waterproof Multi-Function Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional marine electronic control systems using push-button or latching switches are prone to wear and damage from mechanical shocks and vibrations, and lack multifunctionality, while touch switches offer durability but face challenges in waterproofing and sensitivity to input polarity and overloading in marine environments.

Innovation Solution

A multifunction touch-switch system with a waterproof housing, a controller comprising a touch sensor, microcontroller, and printed circuit board, designed to determine output states based on input rules and coupled to a power supply and output devices, providing programmability and protection against mechanical stress and water damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional push-button or latching switches are used, then control functionality is provided, but the switches wear out through use and are degraded by mechanical shocks and vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch durabilityVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical push-button or latching switches with a touch-sensitive interface that uses electrical fields to detect user input. The touch sensor array detects finger contact through changes in electrical capacitance or conductivity, eliminating mechanical moving parts that wear out. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by providing control functionality without mechanical contact, thereby improving reliability and extending service life in marine environments subject to vibration and shock.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If touch switches are used to eliminate moving parts, then durability is improved, but waterproofing and protection against electrical stress become challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidwater and electrical damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a waterproof housing with sealed construction that encloses the touch sensor array and electronic components. The housing acts as a protective barrier, preventing water and saltwater from reaching the electrical components. Additionally, the touch sensor surface can be designed with hydrophobic coatings or sealed membranes that allow electrical field penetration while blocking water molecules, thus maintaining durability while protecting against harmful environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates protective circuitry including voltage regulators, current limiters, and reverse polarity protection diodes that prevent electrical stress from damaging the touch controller and associated electronics. These protective measures are built into the system design beforehand, cushioning the electrical components against potential damage from voltage spikes, current overloads, or incorrect wiring, thereby maintaining reliability in harsh marine electrical environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple traditional switches are used to control different devices, then each function is controlled, but the system complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidnumber of switches

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multifunctional touch controller where a single device integrates multiple touch-sensitive buttons or zones that can control various marine systems including lighting, navigation lights, bilge pumps, and entertainment systems. The controller uses a microprocessor to interpret different touch patterns (single tap, double tap, hold) and route signals to different output channels, allowing one universal interface to replace multiple dedicated switches. This reduces system complexity while maintaining full control functionality across all devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system enhances durability and multifunctionality, providing reliable control of multiple devices with improved resistance to vibrations, water, and electrical stress, ensuring longer maintenance intervals and enhanced performance in marine environments.

Implementation Method 1

Touch switches (also known as conductive-touch or capacitive-touch switches) detect contact by a user's finger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

Touch switches (also known as conductive-touch or capacitive-touch switches) detect contact by a user's finger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConductive coupling: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11726601B1Multifunction touch-switch system

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 T H MARINE SUPPLIES LLC

AI summary

A multifunction touch-switch system is provided. The multifunction touch-switch system is configured to control devices (for example LED lighting) by a touch switch. The multifunction touch-switch system may be configured to be waterproof and vibration resistant for use in a marine environment, for example aboard a marine vehicle. The multifunction touch-switch system may be configured to control multiple functions of multiple devices with a single touch sensor. In addition to a controller and a housing for the controller, the multifunction touch-switch system may also comprise an indicator light.