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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