Capacitive Switch With Arcuate Field And Movable Coupling Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive switches in prior art lack reliable switching characteristics due to dependence on multiple parameters, leading to inconsistent performance and sensitivity to electromagnetic disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive switch design with a sensor and reference surface in a common plane, featuring an arcuate electric field and a movable coupling surface that changes capacitance, connected to a ground potential and an actuating element made of non-conductive material, providing tactile feedback and reduced sensitivity to electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor surface and reference surface are arranged in a common plane with arcuate field lines, then reliability and resistance to electromagnetic disturbances are improved, but device complexity increases due to the additional coupling surface and mechanical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling surface as an intermediary element between the sensor surface and reference surface. This coupling surface, when moved, modulates the electric field and causes a change in capacitance. The intermediary coupling surface provides a controlled mechanism for switching while maintaining the common plane arrangement, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the sensor surface and reference surface substantially in a common plane, creating an equipotential configuration that generates arcuate field lines. This arrangement reduces sensitivity to electromagnetic disturbances and improves switching reliability by ensuring consistent electric field distribution, addressing the reliability improvement while keeping the structural complexity manageable through planar geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling surface is movable in multiple spatial directions, then switching flexibility and user feedback are improved, but sensitivity to electromagnetic disturbances and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the coupling surface movable in several spatial directions relative to the sensor and reference surfaces. This dynamic arrangement allows the coupling surface to occupy different positions, providing switching flexibility and adaptability. The mechanical movability enables tactile feedback through defined positions while the patent addresses precision requirements through appropriate mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates tactile feedback means that generates reference acoustic communication, preferably not in one of the at least two stable positions of the coupling surface. This feedback mechanism provides user confirmation of switching states, improving versatility and usability. The feedback system helps users understand the switch state without requiring high manufacturing precision for position detection.
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
The design enhances reliability and resistance to electromagnetic disturbances, ensuring consistent switching operations and improved user feedback through defined positions and tactile mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor surface and the reference surface are configured to generate an electric field between them
Implementation Method 2
causes a change in capacitance between the sensor surface and the reference surface when a coupling surface relative is moved relative to the sensor surface and the reference surface
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitive switch is comprises a sensor area and with a reference surface in which the sensor surface and the reference surface are configured to produce an electric field (E) between them. The sensor surface and the reference surface are arranged substantially in a common plane such that an electrical field (E) is formed between them with an arched line of force. A coupling surface is configured to move in a plurality of directions in space with respect to the sensor surface and reference surface. A lighting element is configured to illuminate the capacitive switch when activated. A tactile feedback device provides feedback as the capacitive switch is being actuated.