Wet-Environment Controller With Seal-Based Biasing and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Controllers for wet environments, such as ablutionary settings, require a mechanism to automatically return to a neutral position after being moved and need to maintain a sealed internal volume to protect sensitive components from water exposure, while minimizing component count and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A controller design featuring a base member, input member, and a seal that biases the input member back to the neutral position, providing both automatic return and a sealed internal volume with a single component, reducing the need for separate seals and biasing means, and incorporating a pivot joint for multiple control positions and actuation points within the sealed volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate seals and biasing means are used, then the controller provides reliable sealing and automatic return function, but the component count and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seal and biasing means into a single integrated seal component. The seal extends between the input member and base member, with its geometry providing both sealing function and automatic return biasing function through its elastic deformation characteristics, eliminating the need for separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The seal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing between the input member and base member to maintain the sealed internal volume, and it provides automatic return biasing through its elastic properties when the input member is moved to control positions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealed internal volume is created to protect components, then water protection is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The seal structure is designed to simultaneously create the sealed internal volume and provide the automatic return function, merging two structural requirements into a single component solution that reduces overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The seal provides multiple protective and functional roles: it seals the internal volume to protect electronic components from water, and it provides the mechanical biasing force for automatic return, making the structure more efficient rather than more complex
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control positions are provided, then the controller versatility is improved, but the input member complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The input member is designed as a multi-functional component that can pivot to multiple control positions (first control position for first function, second control position for second function) while the seal provides automatic return to neutral position, allowing a single input member to control multiple functions
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 design simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, and ensures reliable operation by automatically returning the input member to the neutral position while protecting internal components from water, allowing for multiple control functions with a single input and minimizing component count.
Implementation Method 1
The seal is configured to bias the input member towards the neutral position
Data Source
AI summary
A controller is provided for use in a wet environment such as an ablutionary setting. The controller includes a base member, an input member, a seal extending between the input member and the base member, and a sealed internal volume defined at least partially by the base member, the input member, and the seal. The input member is moveable relative to the base member between a neutral position and a control position. The seal biases the input member towards the neutral position.