Tactile switch extensions.
 

Dear all.

I have been working fro one year now on making 3D laser printed switch extension with different type of tactile shapes.
The idea is to have a switch top that is easy to recognize by the shape for a tactile feedback.
It has been quite difficult to come up with the right coombination of resin flextural strength and shape to obtain an sleeve type device that slides on top of the switch and stays there by clamping around it.

I have experimented different shapes and tactile feedback ( knurling, holes, pikes ).
Here is what I have come up with at the moment:

Ball long, ball short.
Engine long, engine short.
Flap long, flap short.
Gear long, gear short.

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/015...80562204921490

Here is an example of what it looks like. Two balls:

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/015...26912858019202

Ball/ flap:

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/015...30851731966065

Ball engine:

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/015...82225880110858

The lower part of the sleeve is tapered to feel like a trigger for an easy grab.

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/015...68564319974099

The extensions above have tiny dots on top of them.

Any suggestions on this?
What shapes would you like to see?
What tactile shape?

Thanks.

Oli,

This is interesting, that is using 3D printing to make a switch cover. I like the idea. I know a few people that simply use fuel line for gas engines and cut it short and then slip in on the switch near the top. It helps. I think with your technique, I'd like to see a cluster or series of bumps (dots) along the length of the switch near the top. You could also use "file grating" similar to what is on the control sticks in your photos. Having such a large feature on the top such as the turbine and ball is over kill. A more elegant solution would be to start small with the sleeve at the base and then tapper it out awards the top and incorporate file features or bumps on the side of the switch near the top. What kind of machine did you use to print the switch covers?

Ken

You mean like I make for next to nothing using a pop rivet & a piece of silicon tube?

I guess if you paint them purple a 'certain group' of people may buy them.

John.http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2141552

Obviously, you're already aware that I n most full size a/c the gear and flap handles are shaped like the item they are meant to actuate. The flap switch looks about right. I don't understand the shape of the gear switch though...is that a landing light? I'm not so interested in the ridges/bumps aspect as the shape.

Here is a pic of a typical hear handle:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2141828

Obviously.

Here is the gear switch that I designed as put on the rocker switch:

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/015...g?v=1431266132

The one you are talking about is the engine kill switch. The extension is an engine with a small fan and cone...

If you're taking input, I'd recommend a simple stem with large-ish wheel on it, foregoing the design above with the whole pedestal...