Segmented Force-Transmitting Element for Multi-Angle Call Button Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld push-button devices in the medical, healthcare, and geriatric fields often have call buttons that are difficult to locate and operate accurately, especially in emergency situations, as they may not be visible or accessible from all positions, leading to cumbersome single-handed operation and reduced haptic usability.
Innovation Solution
A handheld push-button device with a force-transmitting element having multiple activation regions accessible from opposite sides of the housing, which transmits actuation force to an electric switch element through resilient deformation, mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic means, and includes a light source for visibility, ensuring the call button can be operated from various angles and positions, including when the device is hanging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the call button is embedded in the front side of the housing, then it is accessible from the front, but it becomes invisible and inaccessible when the device is turned or hung in unfavorable positions
Solution Approach 1:
The single call button is segmented into multiple activation regions distributed on different sides of the housing. This allows users to access at least one activation region regardless of the device's orientation, solving the problem of inaccessibility when the device is turned or hung in unfavorable positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation regions are distributed across multiple spatial dimensions (different sides of the housing) rather than being confined to a single location. This multi-dimensional arrangement ensures that at least one activation region remains accessible from any orientation of the device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the call button is moved to the top edge or side edge of the housing, then it becomes accessible from multiple positions, but haptic usability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different activation regions are designed with locally optimized characteristics suitable for their specific locations on the housing. Each activation region maintains appropriate haptic feedback properties for its position, ensuring good usability regardless of which side of the device is being used.
3Device complexity
If a single call button is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but the patient must focus on finding and precisely pushing the button in emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The single button function is segmented into multiple activation regions distributed around the housing. This segmentation maintains functional simplicity while dramatically improving emergency response by allowing patients to activate the device from any position without needing to search for or precisely locate a specific button.
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 easier, faster, and more reliable operation of the call button from any position, improving usability and visibility, especially in emergencies, by providing accessible activation regions and illumination, allowing intuitive operation with one or two fingers regardless of device orientation or ambient light.
Implementation Method 1
transmits actuation force applied to it by the user to a movement which can act on the electric switch element; wherein the force-transmitting element has plural activation regions
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
A handheld push-button device is provided which is preferably intended to be used as a service-call unit in the medical, healthcare and geriatric field, comprising: a housing accommodating an electric switch element; and a force-transmitting element including an activation region arranged such that it is accessible for a user, wherein said force transmitting element is supported by the housing so as to be able to transmit an actuation force applied to it by the user to a movement that can act on the electric switch element; wherein the force-transmitting element has plural activation regions arranged such that they are accessible for a user from at least two opposite sides of the housing.