Segmented Capacitive Switch Face for Prosthetic Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switches, including rocker switches and capacitive touch switches, pose difficulties for individuals with diminished eyesight, manual dexterity issues, or those using prostheses, as they require precise force application and may not function properly with prosthetics or through materials like gloves or elbows.
Innovation Solution
A switch design featuring a mechanical actuator with a segmented face that depresses uniformly upon force application, coupled with capacitive touch sensors that activate only upon skin contact, allowing for customizable labeling and energy-efficient operation by engaging the actuator to control functions such as lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rocker switch is used, then the switch can control light functions, but it requires precise force application which is difficult for individuals with diminished eyesight or manual dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The switch face is divided into multiple segments, each corresponding to a different function. This segmentation allows users to operate different functions independently and provides visual cues for each function, making it easier for individuals with diminished eyesight or manual dexterity to identify and operate the appropriate segment without requiring precise force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch is designed to perform multiple functions through its segmented structure, where each segment can control different light functions or device functions. This multi-functionality allows a single switch to replace multiple switches, providing universal control while maintaining ease of operation through the segmented design that guides user interaction.
2Ease of operation
If capacitive touch switches are used, then dexterity requirements are reduced, but they may not function properly with prosthetics, gloves, or elbow contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical actuation capability with capacitive touch sensing in a unified switch design. The segmented face can be depressed mechanically like a traditional switch while also incorporating capacitive touch sensors that activate upon skin contact. This merging of mechanical and capacitive technologies allows the switch to function with various contact methods including fingers, prosthetics, gloves, and elbow contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch face acts as an intermediary element that can transmit both mechanical force and capacitive signals. When depressed, the face mechanically engages the actuator while simultaneously allowing capacitive sensors to detect skin contact. This intermediary design enables the switch to recognize and respond to various types of contact, making it adaptable to different user needs and contact methods.
3Reliability
If capacitive touch sensors are continuously active, then touch detection is always available, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive touch sensors are activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The sensors are engaged when the switch face is depressed or when touch detection is needed, and remain inactive otherwise. This periodic activation maintains reliable touch detection capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous sensor operation.
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
Enables easy operation for diverse users and conserves energy by activating capacitive touch sensors only when the switch is depressed, ensuring functionality even with prosthetics or gloved hands, while providing customizable and intuitive control.
Implementation Method 1
A respective touch sensor is coupled to each respective segment of the plurality of segments, wherein each touch sensor is configured to control the function associated with its respective segment in response to detecting human skin in contact with the segment
Data Source
AI summary
A switch according to various embodiments of the disclosure comprises a mechanical actuator configured to control a function associated with the switch and a face coupled to the actuator. The face is configured to depress in response to a force applied to at least a portion of the face, whereby depression of the face engages the actuator to control the function associated with the switch. The face includes a plurality of segments, each segment for controlling a respective additional function associated with the switch. A respective capacitive touch sensor is coupled to each respective segment of the plurality of segments, wherein each capacitive touch sensor is configured to control the function associated with its respective segment in response to detecting human skin in contact with the segment.