Capacitance Touch Switch Detecting Push Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch devices require both capacitance type touch switches and mechanical push button switches to detect touch and push operations, increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A capacitance type touch switch device that can detect both touch and push operations using a single capacitance type touch switch by varying the interval between the operating area and electrodes, with a larger capacitance change detected for push operations compared to touch operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical type push button switch is used to detect push operations, then push operation detection capability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase due to the need for connection and disconnection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines touch operation detection and push operation detection into a single capacitance type touch switch. The operating portion serves dual functions: when touched lightly, it detects touch operations; when pushed, it detects push operations through larger capacitance changes. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical push button switches and their complex connection/disconnection mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining both detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitance type touch switch is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting both touch operations and push operations. The operating portion can operate in two modes depending on the force applied, making a single component universal for both detection purposes. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required two separate switch types, simplifying the overall device structure and reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Device complexity
If a single capacitance type touch switch is used to detect both touch and push operations, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to distinguish between touch and push operations becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in capacitance values to differentiate between touch and push operations. When the operating portion is touched, it produces a certain capacitance change; when pushed, it produces a larger capacitance change due to the greater displacement toward the electrode. By monitoring the magnitude of capacitance changes, the system can distinguish between the two operation types without requiring complex additional mechanisms, thus maintaining simple device structure while enabling accurate operation differentiation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the operating portion is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to detect push operations through displacement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the operating portion flexible while keeping the rest of the device structure rigid. The operating portion is designed with specific flexibility to allow displacement toward the electrode during push operations, enabling capacitance-based detection. The surrounding structural components remain rigid to provide stability and support. This localized flexibility-rigidity differentiation maintains overall structural stability while enabling reliable push operation detection through the flexible operating portion's displacement.
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 cost-effective detection of both touch and push operations using a single capacitance type touch switch, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying the device structure.
Implementation Method 1
the capacitance in the electrode arranged to face the operated operating area changes, but a changing amount in capacitance thereof when the push operation is performed is larger than a changing amount in capacitance thereof when the touch operation is performed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(C)
Figure 3
AI summary
Both a touch operation and a push operation can be detected by an operation of a capacitance type touch switch alone. There is provided a switch device comprising a non-conductive operating portion 12 provided with a plurality of operating areas 13 to 15 inside an outer edge part 12a of the operating portion 12, a film electrode 20 (an electrode sheet) that is provided to be spaced from the operating portion 12 and has a plurality of electrodes 22 to 24 arranged to face the respective operating areas 13 to 15 on a one-on-one relationship, and the CPU 42a that detects operations of the operating areas 13 to 15. An inner part of the operating portion 12 positioned inward of the outer edge part 12a is displaceable in the facing direction of the operating areas 13 to 15 and the electrodes 22 to 24, and the CPU 42a is configured to determine the operated operating area and by which any operation form of the touch operation and the push operation the operated operating area is performed, based upon a position of the electrode a capacitance of which has changed and a changing amount in capacitance of the detection electrode the capacitance of which has changed.