Wall Control Button Layout Using Tactile-Touch Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall-mounted control devices face challenges in achieving varied button configurations using only tactile switches, which are costly and complex, and fully capacitive touch sensing solutions fail to replicate the tactile feedback of traditional switches.
Innovation Solution
A wall-mounted control device combining tactile switches and touch sensors, where the controller determines button actuations based on signals from both tactile switches and touch sensors, allowing for interchangeable buttons and increased configuration options without the need for multiple switch types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tactile switches are used to achieve varied button configurations, then button configuration versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines tactile switches and capacitive touch sensors into a single integrated sensing system. The capacitive touch sensors detect button presses, rockers, and other interactions without requiring separate tactile switches for each button type, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining configuration versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive touch sensor array serves multiple functions: detecting push buttons, side-to-side rockers, up-down rockers, and multi-position presses. This single multi-functional sensing approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized tactile switches, reducing device complexity while improving adaptability.
2Device complexity
If fully capacitive touch sensing is used to reduce device complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but tactile feedback quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a haptic feedback mechanism as an intermediary between the capacitive touch sensor and the user. This haptic feedback simulator replicates the tactile sensation of mechanical switches by generating vibrations or resistance forces, thereby maintaining tactile feedback quality while using the simpler capacitive sensing approach.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate button caps are used for different button types, then button configuration versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and supply chain complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single universal button cap design that works with all button types (push buttons, rockers, etc.). The capacitive touch sensor array beneath the uniform caps detects different interaction patterns, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cap types and simplifying manufacturing and supply chain management.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a 3x5 array of tactile switches is used to achieve button configurations, then button configuration options are improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mechanical switching function from the sensing system and replaces it with capacitive touch sensing. This eliminates the need for numerous discrete tactile switch components, reducing material costs and assembly complexity while maintaining the ability to detect multiple button configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive touch sensor array creates an electrical representation of button presses without requiring physical mechanical switches for each button. This virtual sensing approach reduces the quantity of physical components needed, thereby lowering cost while preserving configuration options.
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
This combination enables a wide range of button configurations, including push, side-to-side rocker, and up-down rocker functions, while providing tactile feedback and reducing the complexity and cost associated with traditional tactile switch configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the touch sensor comprises a capacitive touch sensor configured to detect changes in capacitance in response to an approach or contact of a conductor, such as a finger
Data Source
AI summary
A control device comprising a housing assembly, at least one button, and a controller. The housing assembly comprises a front surface including plurality of button zones each comprising a tactile switch and a plurality of touch sensors. The at least one button is adapted to attach to the housing assembly over at least one of the button zones such that a projection extending from a rear surface of the button is aligned with the tactile switch in the at least one of the button zones. The controller determines which button zone and which location of the button zone is actuated in response to receiving signals from at least one of the tactile switches and at least one of the touch sensors.