Electronics > Beginners

Pushing smartphone side buttons

<< < (2/2)

Ian.M:
I would suggest levers (e.g. bell cranks) to reduce the 'throw' and increase the available force the solonoid can provide.   

However a first step in any solution would be to determine the operating force required for the buttons.   Glue a little rubber pad on the end of a bolt, and bluetak the head to the center of the platform of some digital scales of at least 1g resolution.   Zero the scales.  Hold the phone sideways and press the button down on the end of the bolt, gently increasing the pressure till it operates.  Note the weight readout at that point, repeat a few times and average, then convert the result to Newtons force using the conversion factor of 9.8 Newtons per Kg.

Boogami:

--- Quote from: Ian.M on February 01, 2019, 06:54:40 pm ---I would suggest levers (e.g. bell cranks) to reduce the 'throw' and increase the available force the solonoid can provide.   

However a first step in any solution would be to determine the operating force required for the buttons.   Glue a little rubber pad on the end of a bolt, and bluetak the head to the center of the platform of some digital scales of at least 1g resolution.   Zero the scales.  Hold the phone sideways and press the button down on the end of the bolt, gently increasing the pressure till it operates.  Note the weight readout at that point, repeat a few times and average, then convert the result to Newtons force using the conversion factor of 9.8 Newtons per Kg.

--- End quote ---

So that was an interesting experiment, never thought about using a scale like that  ;D. I got an average of 230 g when the button starts to click which means I need 2.26 Newtons of force to operate the button.

Ian.M:
I'd double that to allow  for different or worn out buttons and go for about 4 to 5 newtons force.   What are the specifications of your solonoids? 

Boogami:

--- Quote from: Ian.M on February 01, 2019, 07:53:01 pm ---I'd double that to allow  for different or worn out buttons and go for about 4 to 5 newtons force.   What are the specifications of your solonoids? 

--- End quote ---
I was using a solenoid with 1.17N and one with 0.58N (both operating at 12V), they are very weak compared to what I really need. And to be honest I went with smaller solenoids in size because I didn't want to use a huge solenoid for operating some tiny smartphone buttons. But I was wrong.  :palm:

Buriedcode:
Whilst it will add mechanical complexity - nothing wrong with using a lever to amplify the force.  The travel must be about 1mm max, so if your solenoid displacement is 5mm - there you go.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[*] Previous page

There was an error while thanking
Thanking...
Go to full version
Powered by SMFPacks Advanced Attachments Uploader Mod