Antenna-Based Trigger for Wireless Device Interaction

Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with traditional trigger arrangements require additional hardware, increasing manufacturing costs and being prone to wear and breakage due to repeated use.

Innovation Solution

A processor-controlled system utilizing an existing wireless antenna to detect impedance changes, allowing for trigger functions without separate hardware, by comparing stored antenna characteristics with real-time data to determine user interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mechanical triggers are used, then triggering functions can be implemented, but manufacturing costs increase and device space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger function reliabilityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical triggers with an antenna-based detection system that uses electromagnetic field interactions. The antenna detects changes in its electrical characteristics (impedance, resonant frequency) caused by user interaction, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while maintaining trigger functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the antenna serve dual functions: its original wireless communication function and a new trigger detection function. By monitoring changes in the antenna's electrical characteristics, the same component that transmits and receives signals also detects user interaction, eliminating the need for separate trigger hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If mechanical triggers are used, then triggering functions can be implemented, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger function reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the antenna serve dual functions: its original wireless communication function and a new trigger detection function. By monitoring changes in the antenna's electrical characteristics, the same component that transmits and receives signals also detects user interaction, eliminating the need for separate trigger hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical triggers with an antenna-based detection system that uses electromagnetic field interactions. The antenna detects changes in its electrical characteristics (impedance, resonant frequency) caused by user interaction, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while maintaining trigger functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If movable triggers are used, then triggering functions can be implemented, but wear and breakage occur from repeated use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger operabilityVSAvoidtrigger durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical triggers with an antenna-based detection system that uses electromagnetic field interactions. The antenna detects changes in its electrical characteristics (impedance, resonant frequency) caused by user interaction, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while maintaining trigger functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna automatically detects user interaction through changes in its own electrical characteristics without requiring separate sensing components. The system monitors the antenna's impedance and resonant frequency changes, which occur naturally when a user touches or approaches the antenna, enabling self-detection of trigger events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Reduces manufacturing costs and enhances durability by eliminating the need for additional triggers, providing flexible and reliable user interaction for device functions through existing wireless components.

Implementation Method 1

the processor compares the third data to the second data, the third data being indicative of characteristics changes of the antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Impedance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

When third data fails to match the first data, the processor compares the third data to the second data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonant Frequency: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS7825775B2Antenna-based trigger

Publication Date: 2010.11.02 SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Described is a device including a processor, a wireless arrangement including an antenna, and a memory arrangement storing first data and second data. The first data includes predetermined antenna characteristics and the second data includes predetermined triggering characteristics for triggering a function of the device. When third data fails to match the first data, the processor compares the third data to the second data, the third data being indicative of characteristics changes of the antenna. The processor triggers a corresponding function of the device as a function of the third data and the second data.