Sealed Deflection-Sensing Keypad for Sterilization-Safe Press Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic systems face challenges in accurately detecting button presses due to potential phantom button presses and the risk of electronic damage from sterilization processes, particularly since current systems often have openings that allow gases or liquids to reach the keypad electronics.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a keypad that utilizes deflection sensing to detect button presses, where a material deflects in response to a user's force, and a sensor outputs a signal indicating the amount of deflection, allowing a controller to accurately determine button presses without openings that could compromise the electronics during sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional button press detection methods are used with openings in the keypad, then the button press detection may be simpler to implement, but the electronics are vulnerable to damage during sterilization processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical button press detection mechanisms with deflection sensing technology. The sensor detects button presses by measuring the deflection of the button surface or underlying structure, eliminating the need for mechanical switches or contacts that would require openings. This allows the keypad to be fully sealed while maintaining button press detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a deflection sensor as an intermediary between the button surface and the detection system. The sensor indirectly detects button presses by measuring physical deflection rather than requiring direct contact with mechanical components. This intermediary approach enables sealed keypad construction while preserving detection accuracy.
2Reliability
If openings are provided in the keypad for traditional detection methods, then the button press detection can be implemented, but the openings allow sterilization gases or liquids to reach and damage the electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical detection systems that require openings with deflection sensing technology. The deflection sensor can be positioned behind the button surface and detect presses through the material without requiring openings in the keypad housing. This eliminates the pathway for sterilization agents to reach electronics while maintaining detection precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If deflection sensing is implemented with a sealed keypad, then the electronics are protected during sterilization, but the detection system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the deflection sensor integration directly into the keypad structure itself. The sensor is embedded within or behind the button assembly, and the button design incorporates the deflection mechanism. This integration approach simplifies manufacturing by combining multiple functions into unified components rather than assembling separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection sensor serves multiple functions: it detects button presses, provides tactile feedback through the button surface, and enables the keypad to be fully sealed for sterilization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the advanced sensing technology used.
4Reliability
If traditional mechanical detection is used, then the button press detection may be more straightforward, but phantom button presses can occur reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switch-based detection with deflection sensing technology. The sensor measures the actual physical deflection of the button surface, providing continuous analog data that can be processed to distinguish genuine presses from phantom signals. This substitution eliminates the on/off nature of mechanical switches that are prone to contact bounce and false triggering.
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 solution enhances the reliability of button press detection, minimizes phantom button presses, and protects the keypad electronics from damage during sterilization by eliminating openings, thereby ensuring safe and effective operation of the endoscopic system.
Implementation Method 1
A button press may be detected based on an amount of deflection of a material. The deflection of the material may be caused by force from a user's finger on a button of the keypad. The material may be located proximate to a sensor, which outputs a sensor signal indicating the amount of deflection of the material.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods that include a keypad that detects button presses using deflection sensing. The keypad may be a keypad of a camera such as an endoscopic camera head. A button press may be detected based on an amount of deflection of a material. The deflection of the material may be caused by force from a user's finger on a button of the keypad. The material may be located proximate to a sensor, which outputs a sensor signal indicating the amount of deflection of the material. Aspects of the disclosure comprise a controller that identifies an amount of deflection, compares the amount of deflection to a signal threshold, and determines whether a button has been pressed based on the comparison.