Touchless Sensor Retrofit for Standard 19 mm Push-Button Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile switches, such as push-button and lever action switches, pose a risk of virus transmission due to direct contact, necessitating a safer alternative.
Innovation Solution
A touchless sensor system comprising a motion sensor, sensor lens, and light guide, designed to fit standard 19 mm push-button housings, which detects object presence or motion and provides visual feedback through programmable LEDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tactile switches are used, then device functionality is maintained, but virus transmission risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical push-button switch with an optical sensor system that uses infrared light to detect hand presence and gestures. The motion sensor detects changes in the infrared spectrum caused by hand movement, eliminating the need for physical contact while maintaining device control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical sensing system between the user and the device control mechanism. The sensor lens focuses infrared light onto the motion sensor, acting as a mediator that translates hand gestures into control signals without requiring direct contact with the device interface.
2Reliability
If touchless sensor is implemented, then virus transmission risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the touchless sensor module to serve multiple functions: detecting hand presence, recognizing gestures, and providing visual feedback through integrated LEDs. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components into a single integrated unit, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the motion sensor is housed within a housing that contains the sensor lens, which is positioned within a light guide. This nested arrangement compactly integrates multiple optical components in a space-efficient manner, minimizing the physical footprint and simplifying assembly.
3Ease of operation
If sensor lens with hand shape is added, then user interaction intuitiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the optical parameters of the sensor lens by shaping it to resemble a hand. This geometric modification focuses infrared light in specific patterns that correspond to hand gestures, enabling intuitive gesture recognition while maintaining compatibility with standard motion sensor technology.
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
Enables touchless operation of electronic devices, reducing virus transmission risk while maintaining functionality and intuitive user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensor adapted for detecting an object in a detection zone
Implementation Method 2
a sensor lens between the motion sensor and the detection zone... the sensor lens may include a plurality of locator tabs... the light guide may include a plurality of locator tab receivers holding said plurality of locator tabs when the light guide and sensor lens are assembled together
Implementation Method 3
The touchless sensor further includes a light source and a light guide within the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A touchless sensor includes a printed circuit assembly, a light guide and a sensor lens that are carried by a housing. The sensor lens is of hand shape. The housing corresponds in size and shape to a standard 19 mm push-button housing to allow for retrofitting to convert an electronic device from push-button operation to touchless operation.