Wet-Environment Knob Assembly With Sealed Push-Rotate Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-related systems, such as shower controllers, face issues with water ingress due to leak paths, leading to degradation and limited input functionality, particularly in wet environments.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising a dial that is movable and rotatable relative to a component, with a spring-back member, bearing, and sensor to detect position and rotation, allowing for user input while sealing the controller from water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a through hole is used for mechanical input in the controller molding, then user input functionality is enabled, but water ingress risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A dial assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the controller internals. The dial can be pushed and rotated from the external environment without requiring through-holes in the controller housing, as it interfaces with the sealed enclosure through a controlled interface that prevents water ingress while transmitting mechanical input signals to internal sensors.
2Reliability
If basic rotary input is provided in wet environment controllers, then water sealing is maintained, but input functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dial assembly provides multiple input modalities (pushing and rotating) within a single sealed interface, enabling the controller to accept various types of user input while maintaining water sealing. This multi-functional design allows the same sealed interface to support different interaction modes without compromising either sealing integrity or input versatility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sealed enclosures are used to prevent water ingress, then controller protection is improved, but user interaction capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical connections that would require through-holes with a magnetic coupling system. A dial with a magnet interacts with a sensor through the sealed enclosure wall, allowing mechanical input to be transmitted without physical penetration of the seal. This substitution of mechanical direct-contact with magnetic field-based sensing maintains both sealing integrity and user interaction capability.
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 assembly provides enhanced user input options and effective sealing, preventing water ingress and ensuring the longevity and functionality of the controller in wet environments.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-back member configured to move the dial parallel to the axis to return the dial to a predefined position along the axis
Implementation Method 2
a bearing positioned between the dial and the component
Implementation Method 3
a sensor configured to detect the position of the dial along the axis and/or the rotation of the dial
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An assembly for use in a wet environment, the assembly comprising: a component; a dial which is movable relative to the component in a linear direction along an axis and is rotatable relative to the component about the axis; a spring-back member configured to move the dial parallel to the axis to return the dial to a predefined position along the axis; a bearing positioned between the dial and the component; and a sensor configured to detect the position of the dial along the axis and/or the rotation of the dial.