3D Optical Button Assembly With Physical Key Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-contact buttons with infrared sensors that fail or malfunction lack a physical key alternative, and fixed image modules cannot be used as physical keys when infrared sensors are defective.
Innovation Solution
A button design incorporating a substrate with a physical key, a frame body, an optical pressure board assembly, and an optical trigger switch, allowing it to function as both a non-contact button generating a three-dimensional optical image and a physical key by using an optical pressure board assembly to convert light into a three-dimensional optical image and generate manipulation signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a non-contact button with infrared sensor is used, then hygiene is improved and physical contact is eliminated, but reliability deteriorates because no physical key alternative exists when the sensor fails
Solution Approach 1:
The button is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a non-contact button using infrared sensors for normal operation, and as a physical key button when the sensor fails. The cover plate can be flipped to reveal physical keys underneath, providing a backup input method that ensures continuous functionality and reliability.
2Shape
If an image module and cover plate are fixed parts clamped to the button, then three-dimensional image display is achieved, but adaptability deteriorates because they cannot be used as physical keys
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is designed to be movable rather than fixed. It can be flipped or rotated to reveal physical keys underneath. This dynamic design allows the button to adapt between two operational modes: displaying three-dimensional images when the cover plate is in the closed position, and functioning as a physical key button when the cover plate is flipped open.
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
Ensures functionality as a physical key when the optical trigger switch fails or is abnormal, providing a reliable alternative input method.
Implementation Method 1
The optical pressure board assembly is adapted to converting a light beam provided by the light emitting assembly into a three-dimensional optical image projected from the opening
Implementation Method 2
The optical trigger switch is adapted to generating a second manipulation signal while sensing the three-dimensional optical image
Data Source
AI summary
A button includes a substrate, a frame body, an optical pressure board assembly and an optical trigger switch. The substrate includes a physical key and a light emitting assembly. The frame body mounted on the substrate accommodates the physical key and the light emitting assembly. A side of the frame body away from the substrate includes an opening. The optical pressure board assembly is slidably arranged in the frame body and covers the physical key and the light emitting assembly. The optical pressure board assembly is adapted to moving in an operating direction towards the substrate to contact the physical key, so the physical key generates a first manipulation signal. The optical pressure board assembly is further adapted to converting a light beam into a three-dimensional optical image. The optical trigger switch is mounted on an outer side of the frame body and adapted to generating a second manipulation signal.