Medical Device Link.

Originally Published EMDM March/April 2002

PRODUCT UPDATE

Duraswitch Industries Inc.

Return to Article: Electronics Open New Avenues in Device Design

A recently developed technology uses a novel construction method to allow the placement of various user-interface controls onto low-cost flexible circuits. Introduced by Duraswitch Industries Inc. (Mesa, AZ, USA), Island construction can reduce manufacturing costs, improve the quality of individual switch components, and simplify keypads. "Designing cost-effective user-friendly panels is a common challenge engineers face in designing medical equipment," says Tim Kuhn, vice president of business development. "This electronic switch construction gives designers greater flexibility."

Island construction enables push-button switches, encoder rotary switches, and cursor controls to be combined on a flat, sealable panel. Each component is packaged in a thin adhesive-foam matrix that provides structural integrity and functions as an environmental seal. All of the switch components are integrated and sealed within a panel that is <3 mm.

"Mounting rotary switches and cursor controls on flex circuitry provides dramatic cost savings over printed circuit boards," notes Kuhn. Assembly costs are also reduced, he adds, because the procedure simply involves mounting the completed panel on the backer or housing unit and then connecting the flex circuit.

Other switch components developed by the company include a rotary encoder and a directionally sensitive switch.

The thiNcoder RT encoder is less than 0.25 in. thick and has a lightweight integrated design that does not require soldering for assembly. Panels can be custom designed to include multiple codes and indexing options.

The MagnaMouse operates by means of a disk-shaped actuator that is held by magnetic attraction. Pushing on the rim or on a key cap closes the contact. Different outputs are produced depending on where the contact is made.

Copyright ©2002 European Medical Device Manufacturer