Momentary Switch Ensemble With Opposite-Side Layout for Faster Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing momentary switches in electric and digital interface devices constrain users to actuate at a maximum speed of 10 times per second due to anatomical limitations, requiring two hand movements per actuation, which is inefficient and time-consuming, and automation solutions in digital music production lack real-time control over rhythmic patterns.
Innovation Solution
A switch ensemble with two momentary switches positioned on opposite sides of a solid body, allowing simultaneous or alternative actuation with one hand, transforming hand retraction into new actuation, enabling high-speed and accurate rhythmic control without automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If momentary switches are positioned on a single side of the device body, then the device structure remains simple, but the user can only actuate one switch at a time and must retract the hand between actuations, limiting actuation speed to approximately 10 times per second
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions momentary switches on opposite sides of the device body (first side and second side), utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness) of the device rather than arranging all switches in a single plane. This spatial arrangement allows the user's fingers to press switches on opposite sides simultaneously or in rapid succession without requiring hand retraction, thereby increasing actuation speed beyond the conventional limit of 10 times per second while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
2Productivity
If traditional momentary switches require hand retraction between actuations, then the device structure remains simple, but time is lost during the retraction movement, reducing overall productivity
Solution Approach 1:
By distributing switches across opposite sides of the device body, the invention eliminates the need for hand retraction between actuations. The user can press switches on opposite sides using different fingers simultaneously or in rapid succession, transforming the linear hand movement pattern into a three-dimensional pressing pattern that eliminates wasted retraction time and increases actuation frequency.
3Speed
If automation solutions are used to achieve high-speed switching, then actuation speed increases, but real-time control over rhythmic patterns is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a manual solution that achieves high-speed actuation through three-dimensional switch placement, allowing users to maintain real-time rhythmic control while reaching speeds exceeding 10 acts per second. This eliminates the need for automation systems that would compromise artistic control, as the physical arrangement of switches enables rapid manual operation without programming or pre-setting requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A switch ensemble for use with an electric instrument or with a digital interface controller device, comprising: a solid body; a first and a second momentary switch mechanisms, each configured to alter the signal's transmission from said electric instrument or controller to a destination system upon actuation, and to revert to their respective default states upon release; in which the first momentary switch mechanism is located on a first side of the solid body, so that a user's finger presses the first momentary switch mechanism against the solid body to actuate it; and the second momentary switch mechanism is located on a second side of the solid body, substantially opposite to the first side, so that a user's finger presses the second momentary switch mechanism against the solid body and in a direction substantially opposite to the first one to actuate it.