Membrane Switches

espresso

Components:

4-color process graphic overlay, membrane switch & steel sub-panel.

Application:

Control panel for Acorto computerized retail espresso machine.

Challenge:

This beverage application creates a heat and moisture rich environment that is not always friendly to membrane switch technology.

Solution:

GM Nameplate engineered this product to vent properly. Our design allows switch operation, in a closed environment relative to humidity entering, through innovative membrane construction allowing air to bleed through vents from cavity to cavity but not to the outside environment.

Lenco Switch

Components:

Elastomeric tactile switch assembly.

Application:

Trim Tab Indicator Switch for marine applications.

Challenge:

The switches had to withstand the tough marine environment including extended UV and salt water exposure. The indicator lights also had to be visible in direct sunlight without being blinding at night and without leaking light.

Solution:

GM Nameplate’s mechanical engineers designed a component to trap the light to avoid leaking, as well as a light sensor to control the brightness of the LEDs depending on the brightness of the ambient light. A manufacturing solution was devised to eliminate corrosion of the circuit board and the assembly was completely sealed to NEMA 4 standards.

Inogen

Components:

Membrane switch with Duraswitch Thincoder rotor.

Application:

Inogen One Oxygen Concentrator.

Challenge:

Inogen needed this product to go on the fast track. The design review, quoting and prototype process had to be compressed to six weeks.

Solution:

GM Nameplate design engineers worked a few long days to review Inogen's design and provide an accurate quote in less than three days. Prototype parts were produced in 5 weeks.

Baxter

Components:

Membrane switch assembly with subpanel and overlay.

Application:

Infusion Pump.

Challenge:

The pump’s keypad user interface design caused some confusion in the hospital environment and nurses frequently pushed a particular button by accident. Baxter needed a solution to this problem that wouldn’t require a complete redesign of the product.

Solution:

GM Nameplate’s mechanical engineers ruggedized the problematic button to help alleviate this problem. The solution included a unique texture for the button along with a stronger tactile response that made the button harder to push. The result: considerably fewer hospital room errors and many more happy patients.

computational systems

Components:

Membrane keypad with border emboss.

Application:

Machinery Health Analyzer.

Challenge:

Quality and delivery were key, as the company was forced to shut down its production lines due to quality and delivery issues with its previous supplier.

Solution:

GM Nameplate has delivered parts in compliance with the customer’s tight tolerance requirements (+/-.005”) 100% on time with 99% quality throughout its now more than 20 year relationship with the customer.