Solid-State Touch Switch With Dual Transducers for Weatherproof Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical switches used in outdoor electronic systems, such as solar-power systems, face challenges in being weatherproof due to mechanical moving parts that degrade over time and are cumbersome or costly to seal against moisture and dust.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state switch utilizing micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology with a cover member, solid-state transducers, a microcontroller, and a user feedback device, which generates signals in response to perturbations, determines user inputs, and provides feedback through a switching circuit, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts and integrating processing technologies into a single IC device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical switches are used in outdoor electronic systems, then switching functionality is achieved, but the switches suffer from material fatigue and degradation due to mechanical moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical moving parts with solid-state transducers that have no mechanical moving components. The transducer element deforms elastically in response to cover member deformation, converting mechanical input directly to electrical signals without mechanical wear, thereby eliminating material fatigue and extending service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from mechanical movement to elastic deformation at the micrometer level. The solid-state transducer uses elastic deformation of the transducer element rather than mechanical moving parts, operating at strain levels that avoid material fatigue while maintaining switching functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical switches are sealed against moisture and dust, then weatherproofing is achieved, but the sealing process becomes cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical switches with solid-state transducers, the patent eliminates the need for complex sealing mechanisms. Solid-state devices have no moving parts that require sealing, allowing for simpler, more cost-effective weatherproofing while maintaining protection against moisture and dust.
3Reliability
If solid-state transducers are used, then material fatigue is reduced, but the transducer element undergoes mechanical deformation at the micrometer level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent operates the solid-state transducer at elastic deformation levels in the micrometer range, which is sufficient to generate detectable electrical signals but small enough to avoid plastic deformation and material fatigue. This precise control of deformation parameters enables reliable operation without compromising manufacturing precision.
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 solid-state switch effectively addresses the degradation and sealing issues of mechanical switches by reducing material fatigue and enabling a more simplified, weatherproof solution for outdoor electronic systems, ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
A first solid-state transducer of a solid-state switch is mechanically coupled to the cover member and is configured to generate first signals in response to a perturbation at the cover member
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state switch for an external system includes a cover member, a first solid-state transducer, a second transducer, a microcontroller, a user feedback device, and a switching circuit. The first transducer is mechanically coupled to the cover member and configured to generate first signals in response to a perturbation at the cover member. The second transducer is configured to generate second signals in response to the perturbation. The microcontroller is configured to obtain first data from the first signals, second data from the second signals, and determine user inputs in accordance with at least the first data, the second data, and an operational state of the solid-state switch. The user feedback device is configured to provide feedback to a user of the switch in accordance with a switching behavior of the switching circuit.