MOC Keypad Module Homogeneous Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing button modules for modular system devices face challenges in achieving homogeneous key actuation over large surfaces, particularly in Ambient Assisted Living applications, due to high production costs and inefficient force transmission, which complicates actuation for elderly or disabled users.
Innovation Solution
The button module incorporates MOC touch panels with movably mounted pressure transmission elements, arranged directly adjacent to the touch panels, and a soft component for sealing and force distribution, allowing for low-cost manufacturing and improved force transmission and sealing, enabling easy operation and setting of actuation force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate pressure transmission elements are used for each piezoelectric switching sensor, then the switching sensors can be actuated, but the production cost increases and homogeneous key actuation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate pressure transmission elements into a single common pressure transmission element that serves multiple MOC touch panel switching sensors. This single element is arranged to extend in the direction of pressure and can actuate multiple switching sensors simultaneously, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining reliable actuation of all sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The common pressure transmission element is designed to perform multiple functions by serving as the actuation mechanism for multiple different switching sensors. This universal element can be actuated by a key and simultaneously triggers multiple MOC touch panel sensors, achieving cost-effective multi-functional operation.
2Ease of operation
If large key surfaces are used for Ambient Assisted Living applications, then ease of operation improves, but homogeneous full-area actuation becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large key surface into multiple MOC touch panel switching sensors arranged in a matrix pattern. Each sensor is a discrete sensing point that can be individually addressed, allowing the system to detect actuation at different locations across the large key surface while maintaining homogeneous response characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure sensors with MOC (Metal Over Contactless) touch panel technology. This substitution enables large-area capacitive sensing with uniform electrical properties across the entire key surface, allowing homogeneous actuation detection regardless of the key size, while maintaining ease of operation for elderly or disabled users.
3Length of stationary object
If the button module is designed with low overall height, then space efficiency improves, but force transmission efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the force transmission path by arranging the common pressure transmission element and MOC touch panel sensors in a compact vertical configuration. The pressure transmission element extends in the direction of pressure (vertical dimension) and directly contacts the sensor electrodes, creating an efficient short-force path that maintains high force transmission efficiency within a low overall height constraint.
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 design results in cost-effective, low-profile switching sensors that facilitate homogeneous full-area actuation with reduced production costs and enhanced usability, particularly benefiting applications requiring large key surfaces and precise force management.
Implementation Method 1
The switching sensors of the circuit carrier are designed as an MOC touch panel
Implementation Method 2
at least one pressure transmission element per button for actuating the MOC touch panel in the direction of pressure is movably mounted
Implementation Method 3
a soft component made of an elastic material is cohesively connected to the pressure transmission element and the key carrier
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a keypad module for modular system devices for building electrical installations or door entry communication systems. The keypad module comprises at least one key that can be actuated by pressure in a pressure direction (Z) perpendicular to a floor plane (G), a module base (5) that can be mounted in the pressure direction (Z) into a system carrier of a system device, and a module top (6) that is connected to the module base (5) by mounting it in the pressure direction (Z). The module top (6) comprises a key carrier (19) on which the key is movably mounted in the pressure direction (Z), and the module base (5) contains a circuit carrier (11) with an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit includes switching sensors by means of which a switching operation is triggered by the pressure exerted on the key in the pressure direction (Z).The switching sensors of the circuit carrier (11) are designed as a MOC keypad (13), and in a receiving opening of the keypad carrier (19) at least one pressure transmission element (27) per key is arranged to actuate the MOC keypad (13) in the pressure direction (Z) via at least one MOC keypad (13), and the key is connected to the pressure transmission element (27).