SWITCHES
complex and requires a lot of communication and understanding of the other suppliers needs for their technology to work effectively.
Combining layers For example, trying to get the correct lighting effect can be a combination of an LED type, i.e., colour, power, size, the light transmission can then be affected by other layers. How it is diffused to prevent light spots and how it is guided and light spillage is prevented. Finally, the graphic layer needs to be tuned so any colours or effects can be optimised. Something which seems quite simple suddenly becomes a complex integration that requires interaction of all the parts of the product. When you add in the other aspects of HMI this only makes it more complicated as now you have additional variables of how technology and functionality must interact together to provide the best performance and appearance.
Combining HMI As another example there are many different forms of interface. By this we mean how the operator interacts with the device. Most of us will have experienced these in everyday life from voice recognition, touch screen on phones, car displays or washing machines, medical equipment etc. We have already discussed the lighting behind these but in addition to that we have layers that give us the functionality. Even with something simple like touch control there are various technologies and associated forms such as capacitive, resistive, proximity, IR, tactile, force, haptic to name a few. Being able to combine these different technologies in one interface is becoming more and more common. This means the lighting design needs to change to meet the needs of these technologies along with the electronic circuits within the same products. However, each of these requires to be addressed in different ways so they function effectively. If this isn’t hard enough the actual front display that the user sees has to multifunction also
Breakdown of Layers that make up an assembly
so it not only reacts to the specific technology behind it, but also has a great cosmetic/decorative appearance. All these layers create a complexity of technical and design challenges that need calibration and only come together effectively when each element is understood within the integration of the whole assembly. When a single supplier does this the cycle time from concept to product is dramatically reduced and this fusion of technology is successful. If you combine the logistical aspects
mentioned earlier and the technology demands it not only becomes more economic to look to source these products locally, but the demand on time to market in electronic devices necessitates the need for suppliers being able to cut development time by supplying technology integrated assemblies, which effectively become plug and play. Although many end providers are
recognising the requirement for assembled technology there are many sectors that have traditionally always had separate suppliers for different elements. Selecting
and getting suppliers to restructure and organise their business to do this is not always so simple as companies tend to be built up around core competencies and don’t always have the skills or capabilities to provide a complete solution. Larger companies such as CCL Design have the advantage of being made up of several relatively small, specialised businesses and hence have a vast array of technical expertise and capabilities to provide integrated assemblies. Any company like this are in a good position to be agile in this environment to meet the new demands.
Meeting these new demands As an example, CCL Design worked with a large European customer operating in the appliance sector that for many years sourced interface components from four different suppliers from around the world. By combining the interface switch into one with the plastic moulding surround we were not only able to bring the development time down from twelve months to four, and reduce costs by over 30%, we were able to incorporate new technologies alongside each other to provide better functionality and features that gave a competitive edge to the end product. Of course, along with opportunity there are
many challenges companies face to position themselves so they can take advantage of this potential growth. Whether it be effects of Covid-19 or Brexit, there are global issues with availability of components and general materials only made worse by transport routing delays, driver availability and general recruitment. However, this trend of returning manufacturing to the UK and Europe can only be a positive sign for companies who are able and willing to react to this demand and help drive development of new and innovative technology.
Decorative finish, brushed stainless steel effect and tactile buttons CCL Design UK
www.ccldesign.com OCTOBER 2021 | ELECTRONICS TODAY 41
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