Optical Cavity Button Interface for Spark-Free Gloved Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical buttons and switches pose explosion hazards in environments with explosive vapors and chemicals, and capacitive touch methods are difficult to use with protective equipment, necessitating the development of non-mechanical alternatives.
Innovation Solution
Non-mechanical buttons utilizing time of flight sensors and neural networks to detect target objects within cavities, generating control signals without mechanical actuation, thereby preventing sparks and improving durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical buttons and switches are used, then control functionality is achieved, but spark emission occurs creating explosion hazards in environments with explosive vapors and chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical buttons and switches with a non-mechanical sensing system using time of flight sensors. The system detects target objects through optical fields rather than mechanical contact, eliminating spark-generating mechanical operations while maintaining control functionality in explosive environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces time of flight sensors and neural networks as intermediary detection mechanisms. These sensors use light pulses and optical reflections to detect target objects indirectly without requiring direct mechanical contact, thereby preventing spark emission while achieving the same control objective
2Reliability
If explosion proof boxes are used to contain sparks, then safety is improved, but device bulkiness and usability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for explosion proof boxes by replacing mechanical switches with optical sensing. This substitution removes the requirement for bulky containment structures while maintaining safety, and the optical sensing works effectively through protective equipment like gloves
3Object-generated harmful factors
If capacitive touch switches are used, then mechanical sparks are eliminated, but usability is reduced when wearing protective equipment such as gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses time of flight sensors as an intermediary detection method that measures the time for light pulses to reflect off target objects. This optical measurement method works effectively through protective equipment like gloves, unlike capacitive sensing which requires direct skin contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces capacitive touch sensing with optical time of flight sensing. This substitution maintains the non-mechanical, spark-free operation while enabling operation through protective equipment by using optical rather than electrical field detection
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 safe and durable alternative to mechanical buttons by using time of flight sensors and neural networks to detect objects, eliminating spark risks and enhancing usability with protective equipment.
Implementation Method 1
one or more time of flight sensors configured to radiate light pulses and receive reflections
Implementation Method 2
receive reflections from the target object
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for non-mechanical buttons are provided. For example, an apparatus of a switch may be provided that includes a cavitied body of transparent material with a plurality of cavities sized to accept a first object and one or more sensors, including a first sensor positioned to detect the first object entering one of the cavities. The switch may generate an output signal associated with a switch state based on the first object detected.