Vertical Operation Panel Structure for Long-Fingernail Switch Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thin switches on electrical appliances, such as microwaves and refrigerators, are difficult for users with long fingernails to operate on vertical surfaces, requiring an unnatural wrist posture due to discomfort and contact with the panel surface.
Innovation Solution
The design of an operation panel with a protrusion portion and recess portion on a vertical surface, where the thin switch is placed on the protrusion, allowing the fingernail tip to be positioned in the recess, reducing discomfort and enabling a more natural finger position, and incorporating multiple electrodes arranged with intervals on a side surface for capacitive switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a thin switch is provided on a vertical surface, then the switch thickness is reduced and surface irregularities are minimized, but users with long fingernails experience discomfort and cannot operate the switch naturally
Solution Approach 1:
The operation panel incorporates localized protrusion portions at specific switch positions, creating uneven surfaces only where needed for finger placement. This allows the switch area to have enhanced operability while the rest of the panel maintains a flat, sleek appearance. The protrusion portions provide finger rest positions that accommodate long fingernails without requiring unnatural wrist postures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat panel to a three-dimensional surface by adding protrusion portions. This dimensional change creates vertical relief features that provide finger rest positions, allowing users with long fingernails to operate switches comfortably while maintaining the thin switch design on the vertical surface.
2Length of stationary object
If a thin switch is used instead of a membrane switch, then the overall thickness is reduced, but the operational sensation becomes uncomfortable for users with long fingernails on vertical surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The operation panel incorporates localized protrusion portions at specific switch positions, creating uneven surfaces only where needed for finger placement. This allows the switch area to have enhanced operability while the rest of the panel maintains a flat, sleek appearance. The protrusion portions provide finger rest positions that accommodate long fingernails without requiring unnatural wrist postures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat panel to a three-dimensional surface by adding protrusion portions. This dimensional change creates vertical relief features that provide finger rest positions, allowing users with long fingernails to operate switches comfortably while maintaining the thin switch design on the vertical surface.
3Measurement precision
If the finger is positioned parallel to the vertical surface to accurately press the switch, then the switch can be activated, but the wrist must be bent significantly creating an unnatural posture
Solution Approach 1:
The operation panel incorporates localized protrusion portions at specific switch positions, creating uneven surfaces only where needed for finger placement. This allows the switch area to have enhanced operability while the rest of the panel maintains a flat, sleek appearance. The protrusion portions provide finger rest positions that accommodate long fingernails without requiring unnatural wrist postures.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion portions are pre-formed on the operation panel to provide finger rest positions before the user attempts to press the switch. This preliminary structural preparation allows users with long fingernails to naturally position their fingers perpendicular to the panel surface, eliminating the need for unnatural wrist bending that would otherwise be required to achieve accurate switch activation.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation panel is provided on a vertical surface of an electrical appliance. The operation panel is provided with an operation surface having an uneven structure. A thin switch is provided in a recess portion of the operation surface.