Non-Orthogonal Control Switch for Portable Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable communication devices for public safety personnel face challenges in providing an ergonomic, tactile feedback-rich user interface that is resistant to harsh environmental conditions and inadvertent actuation, while also addressing space constraints and manufacturing considerations.
Innovation Solution
A control switch design that couples a linear actuator operating in a non-orthogonal plane to a rotary switch in an orthogonal plane, utilizing a thumb button actuator, transfer arm, and electrical rotary switch with a metal and plastic construction for ruggedness and tactility, and includes debris egress ports to maintain cleanliness and prevent entry of debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple external physical user interface controls are provided, then operational functions can be controlled, but the device becomes crowded and difficult to operate without visual cues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the control interface from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by tilting the control surface at an angle. This allows multiple controls to be arranged in a compact, space-efficient manner while providing distinct tactile feedback for each control element, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If controls are made simple for gloved usage, then operation under harsh conditions is facilitated, but precision and functionality may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface characteristics to different control elements. Each control has locally optimized properties such as varied surface textures, depths, and shapes that provide tactile distinguishability and operational precision even when worn with gloves. This local differentiation maintains manufacturing precision while enhancing ease of operation under harsh conditions.
3Reliability
If control switches are made rugged for harsh environments, then durability is improved, but tolerance sensitivity and wear resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface utilizes composite construction with multiple materials having different properties. The control surface incorporates materials that provide both ruggedness for harsh environments and precise tolerance control for sensitive operations. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of durability and manufacturing precision that would be difficult to obtain with a single material.
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 a reliable, tactile, and easy-to-use control switch that translates linear motion into rotary motion, enhancing usability in harsh environments and ensuring durability and cleanliness, thereby improving the user interface for first responders.
Implementation Method 1
a transfer arm, the second tab end of the transfer arm being engaged to the lever arm
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A control switch (110) is provided to facilitate a primary user interface for a control top surface (106) of a non-orthogonal control top (102) of a portable communication device (100). The control switch (110) comprises a thumb button actuator (112), a rotary lever (220) having a lever arm (222) extending therefrom, a transfer arm (202) coupled between the thumb button actuator and the lever arm of the rotary lever, and an electrical rotary switch (204) with a switch shaft (224) providing a primary axis of orthogonal rotation. Actuation of the thumb button actuator (112) results in linear, non-orthogonal motion of the transfer arm (202) being translated into rotary motion of the switch shaft (224) about the primary axis of orthogonal rotation (205).