A manufacturer of home laundry appliances sought to replace its
high-current rotary selector switches with a low-current electronic
system that would still provide the user with the feel of a
mechanical switch. The device needed to survive exposure to
solvents and high mechanical forces that might damage traditional encoders.
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Cherry developed a low-current rotary encoder using gold contacts,
and designed a unique shaft and drainage system that isolated the
electrical components from moisture and solvents. Mechanical
detents were built into the design to simulate the feel of a
high-current rotary switch, and a rugged mechanical design permitted a
50-lb push/pull force on the shaft.
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For this custom solution, Cherry employed the following capabilities:
• Low-current contact design
experience
• UL-certified in-house test lab to
quickly and inexpensively prove the
performance of new designs
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