Capacitive Rotation Input Device for Flexible Cords
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-line controls for cords, such as those in headphones or household appliances, face design constraints and increased costs due to rigid structures and are prone to moisture-related issues like corrosion and electrical shorts.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive sense cord with a rotation input device that uses flexible, waterproof materials to seal the cable and detect touch inputs through capacitance changes, eliminating the need for separate hardware controls and reducing manufacturing challenges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional combox with rigid structure is used for in-line controls, then the control functionality is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical combox structure with a capacitive sensing system. The cord itself becomes the input device through capacitive wires embedded in the insulation layer, detecting touch inputs through capacitance changes rather than mechanical button presses. This eliminates the need for rigid combox enclosures, PCBs, and physical buttons while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cord structure serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection, mechanical protection through insulation, and input control through capacitive sensing. The insulation layer with embedded capacitive wires acts as both protective covering and control interface, eliminating the need for separate combox hardware.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional combox with rigid structure is used for in-line controls, then the control functionality is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical combox components (enclosure, PCB, buttons, strain relief) with a capacitive sensing system integrated into the cord insulation. The capacitive wires are embedded during cord manufacturing, eliminating separate assembly steps and reducing part count, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functionality is merged into the cord structure itself. The capacitive wires are integrated within the insulation layer, combining the cord's protective function with input sensing function, eliminating the need for separate combox assembly and reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional combox is used for in-line controls, then the control functionality is achieved, but the device is prone to moisture intrusion and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical combox enclosure that is susceptible to moisture intrusion through seams and button openings with a capacitive sensing system integrated into the sealed cord insulation. The capacitive wires are embedded within the insulation layer, which provides continuous protective coverage without openings, eliminating pathways for moisture and sweat to reach internal controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The cord insulation acts as a flexible protective shell that completely encloses the capacitive wires. This continuous insulation layer provides moisture and sweat resistance without requiring separate sealing mechanisms, as the insulation itself forms an impermeable barrier around the control elements.
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 allows for cost-effective production and enhances functionality by enabling the detection of various touch inputs, such as rotation, taps, and grabs, without moving parts, thus reducing the need for bulky hardware and improving durability against moisture.
Implementation Method 1
the cover is configured to enable reception of touch input that causes a change in one or more capacitance values associated with sensing wires of the rotation input device
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes techniques and devices for a rotation input device for a capacitive sense cord. A cord may be constructed that includes a cable, a plurality of sensing wires, and a rotation input device. The sensing wires are twisted around one another within a cable jacket of the cable throughout an insensitive portion of the cord that is insensitive to touch input. The rotation input device includes the plurality of sensing wires disposed proximate to a surface of the cord and positioned lengthwise along the cord to provide a capacitively sensitive portion of the cord. The plurality of sensing wires are independently sensitive to touch input. Also, the rotation input device is configured to enable rotational input based on a pattern of change in capacitance values corresponding to at least a subset of the plurality of sensing wires in the rotation input device.