Button Input Structure Combining Switches and Strain Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional button implementations in electronic devices lack the ability to perform a binary function while also detecting the position and intensity of force/pressure applied, limiting their functionality without increasing device size.
Innovation Solution
A button input structure incorporating mechanical switches and strain-based sensors, where the button component, mechanical switches, and strain-based sensors are mechanically connected, allowing for the detection of external force through strain sensing to enable additional operations like sliding or scrolling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional button implementations are used with mechanical switches, then binary function (ON/OFF or UP/DOWN) is achieved, but the ability to detect force position and intensity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical switches and strain-based sensors into a single button input structure. The mechanical switches provide binary function while the strain-based sensors detect force position and intensity, merging multiple functional elements into one integrated component that achieves both binary operation and continuous force detection without increasing overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The button input structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides binary ON/OFF or UP/DOWN operations through mechanical switches while simultaneously detecting force position and intensity through strain-based sensors. This multi-functional design allows a single button component to replace what would traditionally require separate input mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to detect force position and intensity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates strain-based sensors with the mechanical switch structure, combining force detection functionality into the existing button mechanism. This merging approach allows force position and intensity detection without adding separate, standalone sensor systems that would increase overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The button input structure is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides binary switching and continuous force detection. By making the button structure itself serve multiple purposes, the design avoids adding separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are integrated into the button structure, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical switches and strain-based sensors into an integrated button input structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled and aligned, thereby managing manufacturing precision requirements while achieving enhanced functionality.
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
Enables electronic devices to perform additional functions such as sliding or scrolling based on detected force position and intensity, enhancing functionality without increasing device size.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the strain-based sensors is attached to the at least one substrate and configured to detect the external force applied to the button component by sensing the strain on the at least one substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a button input structure of an electronic device, which can achieve a binary function and detect an external force applied to the button input structure. The disclosed button input structure includes a button component, mechanical switches, strain-based sensors, a substrate underneath the button component to accommodate the mechanical switches and the strain-based sensors, and a holding basket configured to provide mechanical support to the substrate, the strain-based sensors, the mechanical switches, and the button component. Herein, depression of the button component caused by the external force can produce strain on the substrate. Each of the strain-based sensors attached to the substrate is configured to detect the external force applied to the button component by sensing the strain on the substrate and configured to provide an output indicating information of a touch point of the external force and an amount of the external force.