Selectable Button Blocking Mechanism for Configurable Input Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices lack configurability and improved functionalities, necessitating the need for devices that can be customized by users to enable or disable specific functions based on application requirements.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a movable obstruction member that can be positioned to block or allow button activation, controlled by a selector mechanism that transforms different types of motions, allowing users to customize button functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the input device includes fixed button functions, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different applications is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the obstruction member movable between different positions (first position where button is accessible, second position where button is blocked) rather than fixed. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical button to serve different functions based on the obstruction member's position, enabling adaptability without requiring multiple separate buttons for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the button functionality by introducing an independent obstruction member that can selectively block the button's activation element. This segmentation allows the button's physical structure to remain simple while its functional state can be independently controlled through the obstruction member's position, separating the physical button from its functional activation state.
2Reliability
If the button can be freely depressed, then the ease of operation is high, but accidental activation cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The obstruction member dynamically changes the button's accessibility state between two positions: in the first position, the button is fully accessible and can be depressed for normal operation; in the second position, the obstruction member blocks the button's activation element, preventing accidental activation. This dynamic switching maintains reliability when needed while preserving ease of operation when intended.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstruction member acts as an intermediary element between the button and the activation element. When positioned in the second position, it physically intervenes to prevent direct contact between the button and activation element, thereby preventing accidental activation without requiring the button to be completely removed or permanently disabled.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons are provided for different functions, then the functionality is comprehensive, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single button to perform multiple functions through the obstruction member's repositioning. The same physical button can be configured to activate different functions or remain inactive based on the obstruction member's position, eliminating the need for separate buttons for each function and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfiguration of the obstruction member allows the button's functional identity to change rather than requiring multiple static buttons. This dynamic approach enables one button to serve multiple purposes across different operational states, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing the number of physical components.
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, an input device may include a switch having an activation element, a button disposed in relative to the switch, and an obstruction member movable between a first position and a second position. The button may be depressible from an undepressed position to a depressed position to engage the activation element when the obstruction member is in the first position, and the button may be blocked from being depressible to the depressed position when the obstruction member is in the second position. The input device may also include a selector operable to cause the obstruction member to move between the first position and the second position and a motion changing arrangement operatively arranged between the selector and the obstruction member to transform a motion of the selector into a motion of the obstruction member for moving the obstruction member between the first position and the second position.