Single Return Spring for Multi-Button Remote Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control devices for load control systems, particularly those with a thin profile, face challenges in achieving a simple construction and low cost while ensuring multiple buttons return to their initial states efficiently, which is crucial for mounting them flat against surfaces like walls or car visors without protruding excessively.
Innovation Solution
A remote control design featuring a single return spring that operates to return multiple buttons to their idle positions, with the spring's first end fixed to the housing and the second end contacting the buttons, allowing the buttons to return to their initial states after actuation, thereby eliminating the need for additional return springs and simplifying the construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple return springs are used for multiple buttons, then each button can return to idle position reliably, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single return spring is designed to serve multiple buttons simultaneously. The spring has a first end fixed to the housing and a second end that contacts multiple buttons, allowing one spring to perform the return function for all buttons rather than having separate springs for each button.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple button return functions are merged into a single spring mechanism. The spring's second end contacts the flange of a first button and also contacts a second button, combining what would traditionally require separate springs into one unified component.
2Reliability
If multiple return springs are used for multiple buttons, then each button has dedicated return force, but the remote control profile becomes thicker
Solution Approach 1:
The single return spring is positioned to contact multiple buttons through its second end, providing dedicated return force to each button without requiring multiple separate spring assemblies that would increase the remote control's depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring configuration utilizes spatial arrangement where the second end of the spring contacts buttons at different positions, effectively distributing return force across multiple buttons in a two-dimensional plane rather than requiring additional depth in the third dimension.
3Ease of operation
If multiple return springs are used for multiple buttons, then each button operation is independent, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple button return functions are merged into a single spring component, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This single spring replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate springs, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single return spring is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple buttons, allowing manufacturers to produce fewer unique parts. This universal spring design simplifies the bill of materials and assembly processes while maintaining independent operation of each 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
This design reduces the complexity and cost of the remote control while enabling it to be mounted flush against surfaces, enhancing its usability and aesthetic appeal by maintaining a thin profile.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring having a first end fixed in location with respect to the housing and a second end contacting the second button for returning the second button to an idle position after an actuation of the second button
Data Source
AI summary
A control device, such as a wireless remote control for a load control system, comprises a return spring that operates to return multiple buttons to respective idle positions resulting in lower cost and complexity of the remote control. Specifically, the remote control comprises a first button having an edge, and a second button having a flange positioned adjacent the edge of the first button, such that the edge of the first button rests on the flange of the second button. The return spring has a first end fixed in location with respect to the housing and a second end contacting the second button for returning to the second button to an idle position after an actuation of the second button. After an actuation of the first button, the return spring causes the flange of the second button to force the first button back to an idle position.