Low-Profile Switching Interface With Tilt Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switching devices are not simple enough in design, have a high overall height, and are complex to produce, making them inefficient and unreliable as input devices, especially in work systems requiring robust and efficient task fulfillment.
Innovation Solution
A compact electrical switching device with a plate-shaped base body and actuating part, featuring an elastic connecting device and sensors for detecting position changes, allowing for tilting or pivoting movements, and optionally incorporating a display for user input and output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If existing electrical switching devices are used, then switching function is provided, but the overall height is high and the design is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device is divided into functionally independent modules: a base body containing evaluation electronics, a separate actuating part with display, and a connecting device for signal transmission. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, reducing overall height while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional vertical stacking to a flattened, planar configuration where the actuating part and base body are connected through a low-profile interface. The connecting device enables signal transmission in a horizontal plane rather than requiring vertical space, achieving low overall height without sacrificing functional complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing electrical switching devices are used, then switching function is provided, but production is complex
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into base body, actuating part, and connecting device, each component can be manufactured using standardized processes and then assembled. The base body with integrated electronics can be produced separately from the actuating part with display, simplifying production workflows and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device serves multiple functions: mechanical connection between base body and actuating part, electrical signal transmission, and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying both device design and production processes.
3Strength
If the actuating part is made rigid for stability, then structural strength is improved, but responsiveness to tilting movements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating part employs local quality differentiation: the display region and connection areas maintain rigidity for structural strength and signal transmission, while the actuation surface is designed with appropriate compliance to respond quickly to user input and tilting movements. This localized variation in mechanical properties optimizes both strength and responsiveness.
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 solution provides a robust, reliable, and efficient input device with a low-profile design that can be easily operated, enhancing task fulfillment in work systems by enabling precise position detection and intuitive user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting device with at least one bonding layer made of an elastic material
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor, which is located between the base body and the actuating part, so that with each sensor a position of a region of the second surface located on it can be detected in the thickness direction
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
Switching device (1) which can be operated from an actuating side (S1), the switching device (1) having: - a plate-shaped base body (10), - a plate-shaped actuating part (20), - one between the base body (10) and the actuating part (20) located connecting device (30) made of an elastic material, - at least one sensor (41, 42, 43, 44) located between the base body (10) and the actuating part (20) and in the thickness direction (Z) seen are located to the side of the connecting device (30), so that each sensor (41, 42, 43, 44) can detect a position of a region of the second surface located on it in the thickness direction (Z), and use of the switching device (1) and methods of completing a work task of a participant in a work system (S) and work system (S).