Button Degradation Detection in User Input Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
User input devices, such as remote controls, often fail to transmit commands accurately due to button degradation over time, which can be caused by increased impedance from wear, contamination, or misalignment, making it difficult for users to determine the cause of command failures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a degradation measurement module within the user input device that detects electrical properties such as voltage or current levels when buttons are pressed, compares these to historical values, and notifies the user or manufacturer if degradation exceeds a threshold, allowing for timely replacement or repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If buttons are used repeatedly over time, then the user input device can transmit more commands, but the button impedance increases and degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of button impedance before the button degradation becomes severe enough to cause command transmission failures. The degradation measurement module continuously monitors button electrical properties and compares them against threshold values, enabling early detection and warning users to replace buttons before complete failure occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the degradation measurement module provides real-time information about button condition to the user interface. This feedback loop allows users to understand the current state of their buttons and take appropriate maintenance actions, transforming the previously hidden degradation process into visible, actionable information.
2Loss of information
If no degradation detection is implemented, then the device structure remains simple, but users cannot identify the cause of command failures
Solution Approach 1:
The degradation detection functionality is extracted as a separate, modular degradation measurement module that can be independently added to the remote control system. This module includes dedicated impedance sensing circuitry, threshold comparison logic, and notification mechanisms, allowing the core command transmission function to remain simple while adding diagnostic capability through a distinct functional block.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary degradation measurement module that sits between the button input and the command transmission system. This intermediary component measures button impedance without interfering with the primary signal path, providing diagnostic information while maintaining the simplicity of the original command transmission architecture.
3Loss of energy
If button degradation is not monitored, then energy consumption remains low, but command transmission failures occur without explanation
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial monitoring by measuring impedance only when buttons are pressed or at scheduled intervals, rather than continuously monitoring all buttons at all times. This approach provides sufficient diagnostic information to detect degradation trends while minimizing the energy consumption associated with constant measurement and processing.
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
This solution effectively identifies and alerts users to degraded buttons, ensuring continued device functionality and reducing user frustration by providing clear feedback on button performance and enabling proactive maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an impedance of the button
Implementation Method 2
Each of the buttons is associated with a pair of electrical contacts. When a button is depressed, the depressed button forms an electrical connection between the pair of electrical contacts, and a signal is generated
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments of systems, apparatus, and methods are described for A user input device, such as a remote control device. In one implementation, the remote control device includes at least one pair of electrical contacts, at least one button configured to electrically connect the at least one pair of electrical contacts, and a degradation measurement module in electrical communication with at least one of the electrical contacts. The degradation measurement module is configured to determine a degradation level of the at least one button based on at least one electrical property of a circuit associated with the at least one button when the at least button electrically connects the at least one pair of electrical contacts.