Movable Display Assembly With Sealed Mechanical Switches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable communication devices, particularly those in public safety environments, face issues with touch screen displays that are prone to failure in moist or dirty conditions, lack tactile feedback, and are susceptible to cracking or breakage under cold temperatures and rough usage, making them unsuitable for gloved usage.

Innovation Solution

A movable display assembly with switch contacts beneath the display providing tactile feedback, sealed against moisture and impact, allowing for actuation zones that offer tactile feedback and resistance to breakage, suitable for rugged environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a touch screen display is used to provide additional user interface options, then user interface versatility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to failure in moisture and dirt prone surroundings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface optionsVSAvoiddisplay durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display is segmented into a front surface with actuation zones and a separate switch assembly behind it. The front surface can be made of rugged, sealed material while the switch assembly contains the electronic components, isolating them from moisture and dirt exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sealed display assembly acts as an intermediary between the user and the switch contacts. The display surface transmits actuation forces through the seal to the switches behind it, allowing user interaction without exposing the switches to the external environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a touch screen display is used to provide capacitive or resistive elements, then user interface versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of tactile feedback for rugged conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface optionsVSAvoidtactile feedback

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical switch assembly provides immediate tactile feedback when actuation zones are pressed. The physical engagement of the switches behind the sealed display gives the user confirmatory feedback without requiring visual attention or complex software processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces capacitive or resistive touch sensing with a mechanical switch system. Instead of detecting electrical changes in the touch screen layers, the system uses physical switch contacts that are mechanically actuated through the sealed display surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If a glass lens covered LCD is used for the display, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but strength deteriorates due to cracking or breakage under cold temperature extremes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay assembly simplicityVSAvoidresistance to breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The display assembly uses a composite structure combining a sealed front surface (can be made of rugged, temperature-resistant material) with the LCD and switch assembly behind it. This allows the outer surface to withstand cold temperatures and impacts while the internal components remain protected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The sealed display assembly structure provides protective cushioning for the LCD and switch components against temperature extremes and physical impacts before damage can occur. The seal and housing act as a protective barrier in advance of any environmental exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If a sealed display assembly is used to protect against moisture and dirt, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sealing components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against moisture and dirtVSAvoidsealing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged with the display assembly structure itself. The display, switch assembly, and seal form an integrated waterproof unit, eliminating the need for separate sealing mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealed display assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the user interface surface, houses the switch contacts, and acts as the primary seal against moisture and dirt ingress. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated sealing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10234896B2Display assembly and interface for a communication device

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A display (110) providing a tactile display user interface is provided. A display sub-assembly (204) with lens (104) is mounted within an internal frame (218) having a base (214). A perimeter seal (208) is mounted between the lens (104) and the internal frame (218). Mechanical switches (210) are disposed between a back surface of the display and the base (214) of the internal frame (218). The display sub-assembly (204) and lens (104) is moveable relative to the internal frame (218) resulting in actuation of a single mechanical switch in response to the display being pressed. Sealing of the lens (104) to the internal frame (218) being maintained during switch actuation.