Input Terminal

Challange:
Low cost, high key population membrane switch.

Solution:
The tactile embossed graphic approach allows for high concentration of keys in a small area without high cost of stainless steel domes.

Application:
Industrial input terminal.

Innovations:
The design provided a low-cost high-reliability tactile switch.

Radio Controlled Meter Reader

Challange:
Create full keyboard on handheld device for outside use.

Solution:

• Keys are positioned close to each other, yet tactile feel is excellent.
• Keypad is sealed against the elements.
• Device tested for durability

Application:
Radio controlled meter reader.

Innovations:
Rugged, waterproof device. Full-function keyboard in a small space.

Machinery Controller

Challange:
Create an ergonomic handheld device to operate a large piece of machinery.

Solution:

• Created easy to handle device for prolonged use.
• Created outstanding tactile feel for ease of operation without sight.
• Enclosure houses many complex electronic components, while appearing simple on the outside.

Application:
Industrial machinery.

Innovations:
High tactile utility over complex circuitry.

Adhesive Extrusion Unit

Challange:
Mount a membrane switch to a radius.

Solution:
Build staggered layers within the assembly to relive the surface tension at the bend points.

Application:
Industrial adhesive extrusion unit.

Innovations:
Selectively textured graphic with gloss keys. Utilizes high bond 3M adhesives to adhere well to the low surface energy radius plastic.

Bar Code Controls

Challange:
Create a rugged, easy-to-use device for use with on-site bar code printers.

Solution:

• Created a LCD and touch screen display for ease of use.
• Device is back mounted into a door panel.
• Sealed around perimeter with a gasket.

Application:
Industrial – bar code.

Innovations:
Keyboard can be configured on-site because of legend insert design.

Factory Automation Controls

Challange:
Customer required a water-sealed, flat-panel pointing device.

Solution:

• An off-the-shelf resistive sensor was integrated into the panel stackup.
• A special poron spacer was used to help equalize the feel when using the sensor.
• Enclosure houses many complex electronic components, while appearing simple on the outside.

Application:
Industrial controls -- factory automation.

Innovations:
Flat panel sensor provided a reasonable feel and an excellent seal.

Process Control Keypad

Challange:
Client was faced with tight schedule requirements.

Solution:
Production schedule was accelerated by a cohesive team effort and rapid prototyping of elastomer

Application:
Industrial process control keypad.

Innovations:
Speed of development to market.

Warehouse Inventory Control

Challange:
Create a companion product to an existing part with a seamless look.

Solution:
Extensive color match and graphic design activity assured product matched its companion.

Application:
Warehouse inventory control.

Innovations:
Design matching and color matching capabilities. Further, backlighting achieved with flood lighting to minimize number of LED's.

Control and Factory Automation

Challange:
Customer required custom keytop shapes and waterproof switches for heavy-duty industrial controls.

Solution:

• Several custom keytop shapes were created by the design team and approved by the client.
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• A water seal was provided by a specially designed elastomer membrane located under the keytop.

Application:
Industrial control and factory automation.

Innovations:
Elastomer water barrier is unique and is available for Full-Travel products.

Ventilation Control

Challange:
To reverse engineer an aluminum product to reduce cost.

Solution:

• Lid molded out of structural foam instead of aluminum.
• Maintained all lightbars, LCD's, and indicators to original specifications.

Application:
Ventilation control.

Innovations:
Use of structural foam for cost reduction.

Compact Keyboard in a Rugged Enclosure

Challange:
Create a small compact keyboard in a rugged enclosure.

Solution:

• Built a full-travel keyboard with an elastomer switch.
• Designed complete keyboard with minimum function keys.
• Enclosed in a rugged plastic case and tested against dropping.

Application:
Industrial.

Innovations:
Small, compact design in a rugged enclosure

Power Plants, Oil Rigs Control

Challange:
The control panel required a Full-Travel section that could have its angle adjusted by the user. Flat Panel dome sections required relegendable inserts for user defined functions. In addition, extreme reliability was required due to industry criteria.

Solution:

• Full-Travel keys were built into a special hinged out section of the bezel and wired back to a separate control board.
• Replaceable inserts were created for changing legends.
• Manufacturing integrity and testing were increased.

Application:
Heavy industrial control — power plants, oil rigs.

Innovations:
Hinged-out, Full-Travel section. Higher than normal reliability testing.

Automation of Microprocessor Fabrication

Challange:
Marketing review of four different prototypes changed customer’s requirements. Low cost was the driving force.

Solution:
The final design was accomplished using low-cost domestic elastomer tooling before production was initiated.

Application:
Industrial. Man Machine Interface (MMI) for factory automation of microprocessor fabrication.

Innovations:
Modular trackball design allows use of three different supplier’s trackballs without changing the design.