Optical Pushbutton Switch Layout for Fracture-Resistant Touch Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The structure of existing pushbutton switches, particularly when integrated into transparent materials in amusement machines, leads to fractures due to reduced strength at the attachment opening.
Innovation Solution
A pushbutton switch design with an operable portion and detector separated on different surfaces of a transparent support, using reflective sensors to detect button presses through the transparent area, eliminating the need for an opening in the support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the pushbutton switch is received in an attachment opening in the transparent material, then the pushbutton switch can be mounted and functionally integrated, but the strength of the transparent material is lowered and fracture risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical attachment system (screws, clips, or adhesive applied through openings) with an optical detection system. The transparent material maintains its integrity without openings, while the pushbutton switch position is detected optically through the intact transparent surface, eliminating the structural weakness caused by mounting holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of light sources and sensors that mediate between the pushbutton switch and the detection mechanism. This allows the switch to be mounted on the intact transparent material without compromising its strength, as the detection occurs through optical signals rather than mechanical connections requiring openings.
2Illumination intensity
If the transparent material is used as a support for the pushbutton switch, then the display remains clear and visible, but cracks may extend from the opening causing fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical attachment through openings with optical detection through the intact transparent material. This substitution eliminates the stress concentration points that would otherwise serve as crack initiation sites, thereby preventing fracture while preserving display visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of beforehand cushioning by preventing the initiation of cracks in the first place. By avoiding openings in the transparent material, the design eliminates the stress concentration points that would otherwise serve as crack initiation sites under operational loads or thermal stress.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an opening is created in the transparent support for mounting the pushbutton switch, then the switch can be attached, but the structural integrity of the support is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical mounting flexibility with optical detection versatility. The pushbutton switch can be positioned at various locations on the transparent support without creating openings, as the optical detection system can sense switch position through the intact transparent material, maintaining both structural integrity and mounting flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the transparent support universal by allowing it to serve both as a structural element maintaining full integrity and as an optical medium for detection. The same intact transparent material that preserves strength also enables the optical detection system to function, eliminating the need to compromise structural integrity for mounting purposes.
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
This design prevents fractures in the transparent support and enhances attachment flexibility while maintaining functionality, allowing the pushbutton switch to be attached at any position without compromising structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The reflective sensor emits, using the light emitter, light toward the light reflector through the transparent area, and receives, using the light receiver, light reflected by the light reflector through the transparent area.
Data Source
AI summary
An amusement machine includes a button deck (10). The button deck (10) includes a transparent support plate (13) and a display (12) together serving as a touchscreen, and a pushbutton switch (15). The pushbutton switch (15) includes an operable portion (20) attached to one surface of the transparent support plate (13), and a detector (30) attached to another surface of the transparent support plate (13) and facing the operable portion (20). The operable portion (20) includes a button (21) and a reflective flapper (26) movable in response to movement of the button (21). The detector (30) includes a reflective sensor (34) that detects the pressed state of the button (21) through the transparent support plate (13). The reflective sensor (34) emits light toward the reflective flapper (26) and receives light reflected by the reflective flapper (26).