New touchless hidden switch can be concealed behind any surface

SCHURTER has released the innovative THS switch series with optical sensor technology that can be concealed behind any surface without mounting holes. A small opening in the user interface is required to enable the ToF sensor to actuate.

Equipment and appliances in public areas have created a demand for non-contact switches to replace conventional touch-activated ones. The new device is a touchless switch that delivers an excellent hygienic solution to stop the spread of pathogens. It serves its practical purpose as a momentary switch and adds an element of design for out-of-the-ordinary sleek and sophisticated custom user interface design. Conventional and touchless switches presently on the market need larger mounting holes in the user interface. The new switch breaks through these limitations with its unique capability to adhere behind any material for literally an invisible installation, supplying an optimal solution for design engineers to use unprecedented creativity and freedom in their panel designs.

Equipped with cutting-edge optical ToF technology, the switch is highly reliable and ensures excellent precision. With only a barely visible slit in the interface surface, the sensor is activated and accurately calculates distances based on the speed of light and transit time via the emission of light beams and the detection of their reflections. The 30mm x 30mm switch is insensitive to water and daylight irradiation and provides RGB multicolour surface illumination for optical feedback. The illumination supply voltage is 5-28VDC. The device has a switching current and voltage maximum of 100mA at 42VAC/60VDC and a product lifespan of more than 100 million switching cycles: a benefit of no moving parts.

The installation of the switch is straightforward and offers the freedom to select materials that are straightforward to clean and provide a seamless user interface. With no compromise to its performance or functionality, the device adheres discreetly behind any surface material with 3M adhesive tape. The standard switch is designed to mount behind a glass surface up to 2mm thick. The company provides a complete Design-In Kit that can be readily operated through a PC/laptop to test and adapt the use of the switch with different materials and surface thicknesses. The kit provides settings such as distance, time, and illumination that can be easily customised for specific needs.