3D Switch Cap With FPC Sensor for Fewer Pressing Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing input devices with two-dimensional key arrangements have a lower degree of freedom in key arrangement and higher pressing errors compared to push buttons with separate keys.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing a switch cap with a three-dimensional cap main body and a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) sensor, where the FPC is integrated into the cap main body and transmission member, allowing for improved assembly workability and reduced pressing errors by detecting the operator's abutment and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a two-dimensional key arrangement is used in an input device, then the device structure is simplified and assembly is easier, but the degree of freedom in key arrangement is reduced and pressing errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional key arrangement to a three-dimensional cap main body structure. The cap main body extends in the vertical direction with multiple keys arranged on its surface, allowing for more flexible spatial configuration of keys while maintaining simplified assembly through the integrated cap structure.
2Productivity
If a sheet-based input device is used, then thickness is reduced and assembly workability is improved, but pressing errors increase compared to separate push buttons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing tactile feedback specifically at the key pressing locations. The cap main body is designed with specific surface features and tactile characteristics at key positions, allowing operators to accurately identify and press the correct keys while maintaining the thin sheet-based structure for improved assembly workability.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are attached separately inside the cap main body, then detection functionality is achieved, but labor and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor attachment process with the cap main body assembly. The flexible printed circuit board with sensors is integrated into the cap main body structure, allowing the sensor to be positioned and secured alongside other cap components in a single assembly process, thereby reducing labor and assembly complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch cap for a switch device that can reduce a pressing error of a switch is provided. A three-dimensional first cap main body moves by a force applied to a first abutting portion from a finger which is an operator. A first sensor is disposed in the first cap main body, and detects abutting or approach of the finger to the first abutting portion. A first transmission member is fixed to the inside of the first cap main body, and moves together with the first cap main body for first switching to transmit movement of the first cap main body to a push button which is a predetermined location of a switch device. A first sensor is formed in a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) disposed in the first cap main body, and the FPC is fixed by the first transmission member and the first cap main body.