MagnaMouse™ - Overview
Overview | Benefits | Technical Specifications
The MAGNAMOUSE is a very thin multidirectional switch based on the magnetic properties of a thin magnet, developed by Duraswitch Technologies. Like PUSHGATE, the MAGNAMOUSE is designed to be mounted on a flexible circuit or a printed circuit board. This new generation technology can replace the products currently used in computer cursors, MP3 players, joystick controls, temperature adjustment controls, selection controls (for radio or television) and many other electronic devices which use a multidirectional switch. GGI International is able to offer you the integration of this new technology to your needs of membrane keypads requiring a multidirectional cursor.
The operating principle which makes such performances possible is at the same time simple and very effective. Similar to Pushgate, this technology relies on the principle of magnetism. MAGNAMOUSE works by using an armature with central pivot point. At rest, the circuit is opened and the armature is attracted by the magnet away from the circuit. When the operator activates the MAGNAMOUSE, it detaches from the magnet in such a way that the centre of the armature comes in contact with the circuit. In the same fashion, the armature's peripheral ring will also come in contact with the circuit at the precise point where the operator will have activated the function. The circuit will then be closed. When the operator releases the key, the armature will be again attracted away from the circuit by the magnet and the circuit will be open again.
The concept of this armature goes hand in hand with an effective graphic concept representing the rotary function of the MAGNAMOUSE, which encourages the operator to activate the function in the periphery of the armature in a rotary way. The illustration opposite shows the components of the MAGNAMOUSE. The reduced number of components allows a thinner and more effective construction. There is a multitude of graphic interfaces that can be integrated into the MAGNAMOUSE technology. Interfaces (embossed or not) made out of metal, rubber, polyester or with a plastic cap are perfectly compatible with the MAGNAMOUSE technology. GGI International will know how to advise you on the best ways of integrating the MAGNAMOUSE into your next membrane keypad.