Touchpad Control With Handsfree Mounting Options - 906 Engineering
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Touchpad Control With Handsfree Mounting Options

by 906 Engineering Corporation (9.2024)

Touchpad Controller

NOTE: Currently this Touchpad Control With Handsfree Mounting Options is just an idea looking for a home. Here at 906 Engineering, we have a lot of ideas, some really good and others only kinda good. The only way to really know is by putting it out there and see what happens. So, here it is. If you have any interest in this idea, let us know.

Our touchpad controller offers an alternative option to our handheld controller; some operators may prefer a smaller (A), more stationary control. Holding the handle of a handheld control for a long period of time can be uncomfortable for the hand and interfere with vehicle operations like steering, shifting, radio, phone & heater controls. Picking up and setting down the handheld to preform other tasks can also be time consuming and a little dangerous. Taking your eyes off the road to locate the controller on the seat or having to search with your hand if the control falls to the floor board is definitely distracting. That is why we think this touchpad option might be helpful, so we basically took the handle off of our handheld.

The best news is, everything our handheld controllers have to offer is in these touchpads. All the features, the comfortable keypad response and the reliability is still there. But that’s not it, because this touchpad has a few of its own features too.

Features

1.) As far as operation, this touchpad control can do everything our handheld controls do. It will accept our 4 button and our 10 button keypads and our handheld PCBs. The control harnessing used in all of the handhelds will work in this touchpad also.

2.) The touchpad is left or right capable, meaning it can be customized to your preference. The ON/OFF switch (or ON/OFF/ON switch) can be mounted on either side of the case. Or, if you have an application that requires two switches, this handle-less control can handle that (B).

3.) There is an area at the base of the touchpad (see diagram B) where a customer specific decal can be added to go along with the customizable keypad to really make this product your own.

4.) This touchpad can be used like the handheld. You can hold it in your hand during operation, but it is not as easily held as the handheld control is. Without the handle, this control is a little awkward in your hand while operating. Although, with the harness exiting out the top of the control (see diagram B), it is more natural to set it down and pick it up on the seat next to you.

5.) This touchpad control could be available as a retro fit kit. By simply purchasing the two plastic halves of the touchpad, a customer could convert from our 906 Engineering haldheld control to this touchpad control. Or, if a customer had this touchpad and wanted to convert to our handheld, with the help of instructions, they could simply and inexpensively switch that way if they prefer.

Mounting Features

To us, the mounting features and accessories available are where this touchpad really shines. If you are looking to free up your hands during operation, look no further, this touchpad offers an endless amount of possibilities.

6.) The Leg Strap (C) accessory provides easy access to the touchpad and is a comfortable, secure and affordable mounting option. For years, some operators have chosen this mount method and for long stationary work days behind the wheel, the control couldn’t be in a more convenient location. Just don’t forget to remove the strap from your leg before you exit the vehicle.

The one inch wide Velcro leg strap is a durable accessory that provides comfort and practicality. The strap could not be easier to install and attach to the leg. Custom branding is also available on the leg strap if desired, never miss a chance to promote your company.

7.) The Metal Mounting Bracket Kit offers a ton versatility when it comes to mounting the touchpad. The thick metal bracket slides right in the back slot on the touchpad and attaches with two screws. Then, at that point you can mount this control just about anywhere using the bracket flange that sticks out the side. Mount it anywhere on the dash, mount it between the seats, the possibilities are endless.

The two screws used to attach the bracket to the touchpad (D) are inserted once the bracket is slid through the touchpad’s back slot. The unique cut out design on the back of the case (E) locks the bracket in place once the screws are in. Note: The bracket size and shape shown in this diagram is just one possible example. There could be longer mounting brackets or angled mounting brackets that could be designed.
The bracket shown is one that can be used for both left mounting and right mounting (F).

8.) Not only can the bracket be used for both left or right, the touchpad case is designed so that the wire harness can exit through the top or the bottom (G).
The case is designed with our built-in strain relief on top and one on the bottom of the case. This option adds to the flexibility of this control to work for many applications.
Plus, the end user would have the ability to switch the harness exit point at any time if they wanted.
Simple re-assembly instructions would make the harness flip a snap.

9.) To cover up the unused wire harness exit point, a plug has been designed to cap it off (H). The plug works for both the top & bottom exit holes. If the user does switch the exit point of the harness, the same plug will cap off the opposite side.

10.) Our normal handheld hanger tab (I) can also be used for this touchpad control. If using the touchpad control as a handheld, you would have the option to use the dash mount hanger tab just as you would with the handheld when storing.

11.) The final mounting feature that this touchpad possesses, which we think may be the best of all, is the ingenuity of our customer base. The people/operators that would be interested in this permanently mounted controller would know better then us how to utilize this product. We believe the operators, with the mounting setup on the back of the control, would construct their own perfect mounting situation.
As long as they keep to the screw hole alignment (J) of our metal bracket (1” between holes) that slides into the back slot of the control (from either side), the mounting possibilities are truly endless.

Contact: James Perales (906) 458-1461
james.p@906engineering.com

906engineering.com

(9.2024)

©2024 906 Engineering Corp