Camera Release Switch Using Pressure Sensing for Adjustable Stroke

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing imaging apparatus switch unit does not allow easy adjustment of the stroke amount for autofocus and imaging operations, limiting user flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A release switch device with a button, a first elastic member, a pressure-sensitive sensor, and a second elastic member, where the pressure-sensitive sensor outputs different repulsive forces and values based on the stroke amount, allowing the user to adjust the stroke amounts for autofocus and imaging operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a switch unit with fixed electrical segments is used, then the imaging apparatus can execute autofocus and imaging operations, but the stroke amount for these operations cannot be easily adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of stroke amountVSAvoidcomplexity of switch structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the fixed mechanical switch structure with a pressure-sensitive sensor that detects pressure magnitude. Instead of using multiple fixed electrical segments that require mechanical displacement to different positions, the invention uses a single sensor that can detect different pressure levels (first repulsive force and second repulsive force) to distinguish between autofocus and imaging operations, enabling adjustable stroke amounts without complex mechanical changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from discrete positional states (switched on/off at specific positions) to continuous pressure magnitude detection. The pressure-sensitive sensor measures the magnitude of repulsive force from elastic members, allowing the system to differentiate operations based on pressure level rather than fixed positional thresholds, thereby enabling flexible adjustment of operational thresholds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrical segments are used to distinguish operations, then autofocus and imaging can be triggered, but the system cannot easily adapt to different user preferences for stroke amounts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in operation thresholdsVSAvoidease of adjusting stroke amount

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical switch structure with a pressure-sensitive sensor that detects pressure magnitude. Instead of using multiple fixed electrical segments that require mechanical displacement to different positions, the invention uses a single sensor that can detect different pressure levels (first repulsive force and second repulsive force) to distinguish between autofocus and imaging operations, enabling adjustable stroke amounts without complex mechanical changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure-sensitive sensor automatically detects the user's pressing intensity and determines the operation type based on the detected pressure magnitude. The system self-adapts to different user preferences by interpreting different pressure levels without requiring manual configuration or complex adjustment mechanisms, making the system both adaptable and easy to operate

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

Enables easy adjustment of stroke amounts for various operations, improving user control and flexibility in executing autofocus and imaging tasks.

Implementation Method 1

a first elastic member including a first displacement portion configured to be pressed and displaced by the button; a pressure-sensitive sensor configured to face the first displacement portion of the first elastic member at an interval, the pressure-sensitive sensor configured to be pressed and displaced by the button with interposition of the first elastic member; and a second elastic member including a second displacement portion configured to be pressed and displaced by the button with interposition of the first elastic member and the pressure-sensitive sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11776773B2Release switch device and imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A release switch device includes: a button; a first elastic member to be pressed and displaced by the button; a pressure-sensitive sensor to face the first elastic member at an interval, to be pressed and displaced by the button with interposition of the first elastic member, when the button is displaced exceeding a predetermined stroke amount; and a second elastic member to be pressed and displaced by the button with interposition of the first elastic member and the pressure-sensitive sensor. When the button is displaced by a first stroke amount equal to or larger than the predetermined stroke amount, the pressure-sensitive sensor receives a first repulsive force of the second elastic member and outputs a first output value. When the button is displaced by a second stroke amount larger than the first stroke amount, the pressure-sensitive sensor receives a second repulsive force larger than the first repulsive force of the second elastic member and outputs a second output value.