Piezoelectric Sensor Between Parallel Plates for Low-Force Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switches for disabled access in buildings require strong physical contact, have limited activation areas, and suffer from mechanical wear, making them difficult to use and unreliable over time.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric sensor is rigidly supported between two parallel mounting plates, with one plate fixed to prevent movement, allowing for sensitive activation with less pressure and providing a larger activation area, enabling multiple activation methods and increased reliability by producing an electrical signal upon compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded touch portion is used in existing electrical switches, then the switch can be mechanically activated, but the spring stiffness requires strong physical contact that is difficult for disabled persons to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-loaded mechanical switch mechanism with a piezoelectric sensor-based electrical detection system. The piezoelectric sensor detects pressure applied to the mounting plate and converts it directly into an electrical signal, eliminating the need for spring mechanical movement and strong physical contact. This substitution dramatically reduces the force required for activation while maintaining reliable switch operation.
2Reliability
If a spring-loaded mechanism is used, then the switch can be activated mechanically, but mechanical wear of components leads to decreased sensitivity and failure over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates moving mechanical components by replacing the spring-loaded mechanism with a piezoelectric sensor that has no moving parts. The sensor consists of a piezoelectric element bonded between mounting plates, creating a solid-state device that converts mechanical pressure directly into electrical signals without mechanical wear. This dramatically extends component lifespan and maintains consistent sensitivity over time.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional switch design is used, then the structure is simple, but the activation area is limited in size making it difficult to reach and activate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent expands the activation area by mounting the piezoelectric sensor between large parallel mounting plates that extend in multiple dimensions. The active sensing area is defined by the surface area of the mounting plate rather than a small button or lever, creating a large, easily accessible activation surface that can be reached and pressed from various positions and angles.
4Measurement precision
If the inner mounting plate is rigidly fixed to prevent movement, then the piezoelectric sensor reacts with sensitivity to small pressure applications, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting structure into two separate functional components: an inner mounting plate that is rigidly fixed to provide a stable reference surface, and an outer mounting plate that is accessible for receiving pressure applications. This segmentation allows each plate to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The piezoelectric sensor bonded between these plates achieves high sensitivity without requiring complex mounting mechanisms.
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 reduces the required physical contact pressure, increases the activation area, and enhances reliability by using a piezoelectric sensor between rigid plates to generate an electrical signal for controlling doors or elevators, providing improved accessibility and durability.
Implementation Method 1
pressure on the first mounting plate compresses the piezoelectric sensor between the first and second mounting plates to induce a mechanical stress on the piezoelectric sensor that is operable to produce an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present inventors have recognized that an electrical switch for opening doors in buildings, calling elevators, and the like can be improved to require less physical contact, larger activation area, and multiple activation methods, with increased reliability, by utilizing a piezoelectric sensor specifically arranged between rigid, parallel mounting plates in which one of the plates (an inner plate) is rigidly fixed to prevent movement while the other plate (an outer plate) is accessible for receiving physical contact. By rigidly fixing the inner plate, such as by mounting to a wall or bollard, the sensor can react with sensitivity upon an application of less pressure on the outer plate. Such pressure compresses the sensor between the plates to produce an electrical signal. A controller receiving the signal can, in turn, execute to open a door, call an elevator and/or activate a light or sound to provide feedback.