Case Studies
Custom Design Solutions
With over 4,000 unique interface devices designed and manufactured at SSI, we’ve found that each job has a unique story to tell. Below you will find just a sample of some of these product challenges and the solutions that SSI provided. Contact us with your project requirements or request a quote today.
Case Studies
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Outdoor Construction Instrument
Challenge
Part needed to be rugged as it was being used in construction. Also, it needed to be very waterproof as it was often used in harsh outdoor environments.
Solution
Mount part on .125” clear, acrylic back giving substantial impact protection of window. Add first surface, ring gasket to ensure good bond to bezel.
Portable Inventory Instrument
Challenge
Part had large icons that needed to be uniformly illuminated by small embedded LEDs.
Solution
Place embedded LEDs on lower circuitry layer increasing the distance between the light source and the graphic overlay. Add two diffusing layers within the construction of the membrane switch to achieve uniform lighting.
Surgical Control Equipment
Challenge
Customer wanted elaborate raised graphic without affecting the integrity of the switch as well as negatively impacting the adhesion between the graphic and the switch.
Solution
SSI incorporated their unique print emboss system. This system involves a build-up of ink on the first surface of the graphic avoiding the stress that hard tool embossing imposes on the substrate material.
Education Input Device
Challenge
Customer needed tactile keypad a very low cost.
Solution
Incorporate tactile feedback by forming graphic overlay layer. Tactile feature also provides locator for finger.
Industrial Control
Challenge
Customer needed a very low cost backlighting option in small volume.
Solution
Mounted part on a clear polycarbonate backer, designed circuit on two layers implementing polydoming on top layer. SSI designed the contacts to be very narrow lines so as not to impede the backlighting. Customer used inexpensive incandescent backlighting to backlight keypad positions.
Remote Control for AV Equipment
Challenge
Customer needed a very inexpensive temporary backlighting.
Solution
SSI incorporated phosphorescent ink into printed keypads. Glow-in-the-Dark ink provides temporary illumination of keypads in dark environment.
Air Purifier Control
Challenge
Customer needed a non-tactile membrane switch, embedded LEDs on the same circuitry layer and a flat (non-embossed) graphic.
Solution
SS incorporated unique actuator layer to allow certain actuation force to be attained with an exceptionally thick spacer adhesive.
Laboratory Instrument
Challenge
Customer wanted a fresh new look utilizing membrane switch technology but with a more user-friendly interface for a very tight cluster of keys.
Solution
SSI combined rubber keypad and membrane switch technologies to create keypad with a great look and feel.
Dental Chair Controller
Challenge
Customer needed a distinct way for operator to find keypad without visual contact.
Solution
SSI incorporated a deboss with Braille dot over each keypad to allow operator to locate key.