Spring-Loaded Button Structure for Crisp Tactile Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual control devices for home automation equipment, such as electromechanical actuators for sun protection or blackout screens, provide a poor user experience due to unsatisfactory return mechanisms that result in a 'soft' stroke and lack of qualitative sensation during button operation.
Innovation Solution
A manual control device with a button that integrates a return member made of the same material as the button, allowing for a consistent return force and improved tactile feedback, featuring a support zone that moves between stable and unstable positions with a return member that opposes the transition to the stable position, ensuring a robust and qualitative feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring is integrated into the electronic control module to return the control button, then the button can return to its stable state, but the user experiences a soft stroke with poor quality sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The return member is integrated directly into the button as an integral structure, merging the return function with the button itself rather than being a separate component in the electronic control module. This integration eliminates the soft stroke by providing a more direct and responsive return mechanism while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The return member is specifically designed within the button structure to provide localized elastic response at the support zone. This local integration allows the button to have different mechanical properties in different regions - the return member provides the necessary elastic force where needed while maintaining overall button integrity and simplifying the global device architecture.
2Ease of operation
If a complex return mechanism is used to improve the qualitative sensation during button pressing, then the user experience improves, but the development and design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The return member is formed as an integral part of the button during the same manufacturing process, combining two components into one. This merger maintains the qualitative sensation through proper elastic design while significantly reducing development complexity by eliminating separate return mechanism design, sourcing, and assembly requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The button structure itself provides the return function through its integrated return member, making the button self-sufficient for its return action. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external return mechanisms, simplifying both development and manufacturing while maintaining the desired qualitative sensation during operation.
3Ease of operation
If the return member is integral with the button, then the spring effect is directly integrated providing better tactile feedback, but the button structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The return member is integrated into the button structure at the specific location where elastic response is needed - the support zone. This local integration provides direct tactile feedback at the point of user interaction while maintaining simplicity in other regions of the button, balancing enhanced feedback with structural elegance.
Solution Approach 2:
The return member extends from the support zone in a direction that provides the elastic response, adding a dimensional element to the button structure. This dimensional extension is strategically placed to provide tactile feedback without significantly complicating the overall button geometry, as the return member follows a straightforward elastic path.
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 integrated return member provides a more satisfying user experience by ensuring a consistent pressure force requirement and eliminating soft strokes, enhancing the overall quality of the control device operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one return member configured to: in the unstable active position of the support zone, induce a stress on the support tending to push the support zone towards its stable inactive position; in the stable inactive position of the support zone, tend to oppose the passage of the support zone to its unstable active position
Data Source
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AI summary
The manual control device (100) comprises a support (101) and a control assembly (102) mounted on the support (101), the control assembly (102) comprising a button (103), the button (103) comprising a support area (104) intended to receive a support force (F1). The button (103) offering a movement capability relative to the support (101) making it possible to vary the support area (104) from a stable inactive position to an unstable active position when the support force (F1) is applied to the support area (104), the control assembly (102) comprising at least one return member (105a) integral with the button (103).