LONG STROKE
SILICONE KEYPAD
The main functions of a silicone keypad are the electrical contact and tactile feedback.
The tactile feedback indicates and confirms that an electrical contact has been established.
The haptic or the tactile feel is influenced by three factors:
- Force
- Stroke
- Snap
Abatek controls these elements by influencing the membrane geometry.
Mastering all aspects reflecting the desired force/way specification AND controlling the crucial assembly
makes Abatek THE partner of absolute trust.
Full control of the product needs a fully owned high precision tool making shop and production.
Huge experience in the keypad industry has over many years resulted in exciting solutions and great customer relationships.
STROKE
In the HMI world three different stroke are used:
- Physical stroke in section view. It describes the way a key physically needs to travel until the contact pill touches the PCB.
- Reliable at low cost. Stroke in F/W graph / Stroke to contact. This stroke specifies the distance until the actuating force increase again.
- Electrical stroke. This hub specifies the path to a specific electronic contact.
For example specifying the distance in the section view instead of the F/W graph can result in an malfunction in the assembly. This is because the compression of the silicone is not taken into account in the physical stroke.
The electrical contact - on the other hand - depend strongly on the pill technology used and its technical specification. See contact technology
SHORT STROKE
CLICKPAD
The Abatek ClickPad system is a unique integration of the optimal metal dome into the keypad.
This short stroke solution replaces traditional micro switches.
It offers the world’s best solution in terms of force, snap, acoustics, life cycle, preload, lighting, sealing, price etc.
In assembly the ClickPad can achieve a stroke between 0,4 – 2,0 mm and is characterized by a distinctive snap feel at the peak force - despite the short stroke.
Additionally it gives you the option to adjust the sound without losing the sharp tactile feel.
STROKE.
The stroke of a ClickPad is a combination of 3 factors:
1. Stroke defined by gap between actuator pin and metal dome
2. Stroke defined by silicone compression
3. Stroke defined by metal dome. Stroke in assembly s2 can be selected between 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm
When assembled the Abatek ClickPad can respond to a stroke between 0.4 – 2.0 mm. Despite the short stroke it responds with a distinctive snap feel at peak force.
In addition: the sound can be adjusted without losing the sharp tactile feel.
SPECIAL SHORT AND LONG STROKE SOLUTIONS
Abatek offers a wide range of options and combinations for numerous force/way curves.
In addition to the two stroke solutions mentioned above, which are used most frequently, we also offer various other special solutions.
The most common ones are:
- Double stroke
- Redundant
- Early contact
- Over stroke
- High force/Snap/Life cycle
This is just a selection from our program. If you cannot find the preferred solution, please contact our technical sales team.
DOUBLE STROKE
Two in one.
Applications like window lifter, steering wheel toggle, sunroof, camera, etc. require a 2-step solution.
- Version one has one electrical contact in combination with a spring function.
- Version two has two electrical contacts in one - see animation.
Each actuation force and snap can be defined individually.
REDUNDANCY
Secure the contact.
In order to secure the electrical contact in safety relevant application a redundant contact can be implemented
HIGH FORCE & HIGH SNAP
High Force - High Snap - High Life Cycle.
Where a robust keypad with high tactile feel is required - for example levers in heavy-duty applications - Abatek offers a keypad with high actuation force together with a high snap without compromising on a high life cycle.